Barrington Area Council of Governments names new leader
Members of the Barrington Area Council of Governments unanimously passed Resolution #21-01 at the Jan. 12 executive board meeting, honoring Janet Agnoletti as she retires after 20 years of dedicated service as BACOG's executive director.
Members then appointed Kimberly Beattie Saunders as her successor.
"Janet has been an exceptional leader for BACOG. Her work and skillset have strengthened the region's focus on groundwater research and protecting the sustainability of our groundwater supply. Her leadership has helped ensure effective regional cooperation on the important issues that impact Barrington area quality of life," said BACOG Chairperson and Barrington Village President Karen Darch.
Throughout Agnoletti's tenure, BACOG has facilitated cooperative regional strategies on groundwater research and environmental conservation, legislative advocacy, emergency management and member communications and training.
Her leadership has enabled BACOG to provide comprehensive GIS resources to its member communities that has furthered the knowledge, technical acumen, and efficiency of their responses to land use proposals and environmental activities.
Agnoletti has successfully lobbied legislators in support of BACOG member land use positions and built strong partnerships with local, state, and nationwide organizations to help promote a healthier Barrington area.
After retirement, Agnoletti will continue to serve on the Illinois State Water Survey advisory board and represent local governments' interests in groundwater. The full Resolution #21-01 may be seen at bacog.org/bacog-resolution-21-01.
As Agnoletti begins her retirement, BACOG is pleased to welcome Kimberly Saunders as its new executive director.
"Kimberly brings a combination of government and legal experience that is a great match for BACOG's mission. We are excited to benefit from her commitment to fostering regional cooperation and preserving the unique nature of the Barrington area," said Vice Chairperson and South Barrington Village President Paula McCombie.
Prior to joining BACOG, Saunders helped guide the state's approach to economic development and infrastructure as a policy adviser to the Illinois governor.
She also served as a senior government relations officer at the Chicago Transit Authority, helping to manage its relationships with state agencies, the state legislature, and the city of Evanston.
Most recently, Saunders served as an attorney focused on federal financial regulatory issues, providing extensive pro bono services, and serving on the advisory committee for her law firm's community foundation.
Saunders also is an active member of the Barrington area community, having moved from Washington, D.C., with her husband and three children in 2017. She currently serves on the village of Tower Lakes Plan Commission and as vice president of Service for the North Barrington Elementary Parent Teacher Organization.
She recently completed a term as chairwoman of the Tower Lakes Improvement Association's Youth Committee.
Saunders will be only the third executive director in BACOG's 50-year history.
For information about BACOG, contact Executive Director Kimberly Saunders at (847) 381-7871 or visit www.bacog.org.
The Barrington Area Council of Governments is a voluntary organization of elected officials representing the governments of Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Lake Barrington, South Barrington, Tower Lakes, and Barrington Township.
BACOG provides support for regional planning and development and facilitates cooperative strategies for environmental and groundwater protection, legislative advocacy and other governmental matters.