The thinned-out ranks of management at River Forest Village Hall are being slowly replenished. Village Administrator Eric Palm announced Thursday the hiring of a new assistant village administrator. The post has been vacant for some while.
Michael Braiman, currently assistant to the village manager in north suburban Wilmette, will begin his new position in River Forest on July 25.
As assistant village administrator, Braiman will head up the human resources function and risk management function in village hall, and will oversee the village building department. He will work closely with Palm.
“This person will span a lot of different functional areas of the organization,” said Palm. “So we kind of need that Jack of all trades.”
Palm said despite the similar job titles, the move to River Forest is a move up for Braiman. He formerly worked as a management analyst for the village of Lincolnwood, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Arts degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University.
Palm said he consulted with Village President John Rigas throughout the candidate search and interview process, but it was ultimately his decision.
“This is my appointment, but the board approved the funding of the position through the budget,” Palm said.
“This is a great opportunity for me to join a progressive management team that is focused on providing efficient and effective services to the village’s residents and businesses,” said Braiman, in a press release issued by Palm. “I look forward to bringing my strong commitment to customer service to River Forest and will work tirelessly to assist Mr. Palm in accomplishing the goals and objectives set forth by the village board.”