Former Plainfield Village Administrator Brian Murphy is expected to be named village administrator of River Forest at a special meeting of the village board on Monday Dec. 6.
“Brian is great,” village President Cathy Adduci said. “He’s a perfect fit for River Forest. He’s going to hit the ground running.”
Murphy will replace Eric Palm, who resigned in February after 10 years as River Forest village administrator, leaving to accept a similar position in Hoffman Estates. Lisa Scheiner, assistant village manager, has served as acting village administrator.
Murphy’s contract as village administrator in Plainfield was not renewed in April following the election of a new mayor. He had served in that position since 2009, coming to Plainfield from his home state of Michigan. Since June he has served as acting community development director for Fox Lake.
Following a nationwide search, officials interviewed six candidates in a series of special meetings in October and November before narrowing their choices to two finalists. Adduci said both finalists were “really good candidates” but Murphy’s experience stood out.
She also cited his “deep understanding” of economic development as one of his strengths.
In July, officials hired GovHR of Northbrook, a public management consulting firm, to conduct the search. The firm, which serves local government clients and other public-sector entities across the country, had been used by River Forest previously, most recently to fill the village finance director position.
Murphy earned his bachelor’s degree from Oakland University in Michigan and his master of public administrator degree from the University of Michigan.
His previous experience in municipal government includes two years as city manager of Belding, three years as village manager of Beverly Hills and five years as assistant city manager of Troy, all in Michigan.
Officials still have to hire a new fire chief following the retirement of Kurt Bohlmann in September. GovHR also is conducting that search. Robert Nortier, a former deputy chief in River Forest, is serving as his temporary replacement.
