Hinsdale Official Retiring And Getting New Public Job

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale's finance director is leaving his job after 11 years and becoming the assistant controller at Joliet Junior College, officials announced Tuesday.

Officials said Darrell Langlois' departure was technically a retirement, meaning he can start collecting his government pension.

At the Village Board meeting, Village President Tom Cauley credited Langlois with helping the village get through the recession more than a decade ago. Langlois also played a key role in balancing the budget and maintaining a financial reserve, Cauley said.

Cauley also noted the village has received a certificate of excellence in financial reporting from a government finance officials' association for 26 years in a row. He said it would be difficult to replace Langlois.

Village Manager Kathleen Gargano called Langlois one of the best finance directors in the area and that she has enjoyed working with him.

Trustee Gerald Hughes, the board's point person on financial matters, said he was able to sleep soundly knowing that Langlois was on the job.

"When Kathleen shared the news of where you might be heading, we had a long conversation about how hard we should work to try to keep you," Hughes said. "Believe me, there was a big incentive to try really hard. I want to make sure you know that if you didn't sense exactly that forceful of an effort, it was because we know that this path is really good for you personally."

Langlois said he enjoyed his time with the village and that he appreciated the kind words.

Assistant Finance Director Alison Brothen has been appointed to serve in the finance director's position on an interim basis.