The Village of Park Forest has named Jon Kindseth as its next village manager following approval by the Park Forest Board of Trustees during Monday night’s meeting. His appointment comes ahead of the retirement of longtime Village Manager Tom Mick whose last day is set for June 20 after 27 years of service to the community.
Kindseth, who most recently served as deputy city manager in Decatur, Illinois, has also served stints in Beach Park, Illinois as village administrator and in Highwood, Illinois as assistant to the city manager. In total, Kindseth holds over 15 years of local government experience.
The selection to identify Park Forest’s next village manager follows a nationwide recruitment process conducted with the help of consulting firm MGT. A search committee comprised of several village trustees narrowed an original candidate pool down from 62 to 11 interview. From there, six semi-finalists were interviewed with two going on to a final round to include panel interviews with both board members and village department heads. At the conclusion of the process, Park Forest officials identified Kindseth as the top candidate.
Kindseth completed his undergraduate studies at Illinois State University and earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Northern Illinois University.
Mayor Joseph A. Woods briefly introduced Kindseth as Park Forest’s next village manager at Monday’s meeting, offering him the opportunity to make a public comment. After stepping to the podium, Kindseth addressed the board and audience, expressing his gratitude and excitement.
“It really is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the Village Board, the businesses, and the residents, who have been so well represented in the past,” Kindseth said. “I hope to continue the great work the Village Board has done to carry Park Forest forward.”
Kindseth added, “I’m humbled by this opportunity to lead such a remarkable team that Mr. Mick has assembled. I’ve never encountered a more professional staff dedicated to their jobs.”
Kindseth officially assumes his new role on June 23.