The Village of Oak Park has named Tammie Grossman director of the newly-created Department of Community and Economic Development, according to a village press release.
She begins the position on Jan. 6.
Grossman, 50, currently serves as the village’s manager for housing and community development block grant programs as well as interim director for human resources.
Village Manager Cara Pavlicek, who made the hire, said in the press release that Grossman’s work in other departments “gave me confidence that she’ll be able to hit the ground running in this important new position.”
The newly-created position is part of the village’s consolidation of its building, business services, housing and planning departments, in an effort to streamline economic development in Oak Park. The department consolidation was approved by Village trustees on Monday.
The village and its various economic development departments have come under fire in recent months for being ineffectual and slowing development in Oak Park. According to the press release, Grossman will serve as a liaison between the village and developers.
“It’s more important than ever for Village Hall to speak with one voice on economic development efforts,” Grossman said in the press release. “I intend to start a dialogue about how we can improve this process and build a stronger community in Oak Park.”
Grossman, who has worked for the village for the last five years, holds a law degree from DePaul University and a political science degree from Northern Illinois University. During her time at the village, Grossman oversaw the creation of the West Cook County Housing Collaborative, according to the press release.
Prior to her time with the village, Grossman was executive director of Housing Action Illinois. Â
