New Assistant City Manager Comes To Highland Park From Elmhurst

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Highland Park's new assistant city manager starts work next month, city officials announced.

Erin Jason emerged from a field of more than 100 applicants seeking to succeed Rob Sabo, the former assistant city manager who left last month after nearly six years with Highland Park to become village manager of Rolling Meadows.

Jason is currently the business development coordinator for the city of Elmhurst, where she previously spent 15 years as deputy city clerk and FOIA officer. Her appointment in Highland Park is effective March 15.

“I am thrilled to continue my career in public service with the wonderful city of Highland Park,” Jason said in the announcement. “I bring to the team my enthusiasm for working towards the betterment of a thriving community along with my dedication to the residents and businesses that it represents."

According to the city manager's office, Jason has helped developers and business to invest more than $800 in Elmhurst over the past five years. She has also been responsible for overseeing the city's tax increment finance districts and pushed for policies to promote a walkable downtown Elmhurst, where the vacancy rate for first-floor businesses is less than 2 percent.

The assistant city manager is one of six department directors who report to the city manager. The others are police and fire chiefs, the finance director, the community development director and the public works director, who also shares the assistant city manager job title.

There are 13 budgeted positions in the city manager's office, including City Manager Ghida Neukirch. Other than the assistant city manager job, they include a deputy city clerk, a senior service program coordinator, a social services coordinator, three human resources staffers, an executive assistant, a junior management analyst and managers of communication, business development and senior services.

“Highland Park is excited to welcome Erin as Assistant City Manager,” City Manager Ghida Neukirch said, announcing Jason's appointment. “Her multifaceted experience in local government management, deep knowledge of strategic economic development, communications experience, passion for sustainability, and enthusiasm for our community will be a great asset to our team.”