Desiderio Becomes Joliet's New Deputy City Manager, Salary Revealed

JOLIET, IL — Joliet City Clerk Christa Desiderio is in line for a raise of nearly $43,000 now that new City Manager Beth Beatty has appointed her to fill the newly created position of deputy city manager at City Hall.

Desiderio will make a salary of $185,500 as deputy city manager. Last year, as city clerk, she made a total of $142,695, city of Joliet finance records show.

Desiderio has been Joliet’s city clerk at City Hall for the past 12 years and has more than 23 years of municipal government experience, according to the city of Joliet press release.

“Christa is the best choice to help me in managing our city government and serving the people of Joliet,” Beatty announced. “She has strong leadership and managerial skills along with knowledge in the day-to-day operations of city government and is respected by the staff and City Council.”

Beatty took over running Joliet in mid-December after working for the city of Chicago the past 18 years, serving as deputy mayor under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

At Joliet, in addition to overseeing the city clerk's employees, Desiderio has managed marketing and tourism efforts, and served on Joliet's leadership team.

“I am extremely honored to be given the opportunity to serve the community in the position of Deputy City Manager,” Desiderio said in the press release. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented leadership team to improve the quality of life for our residents."

Desiderio has a bachelor's in economics and minors in both mathematics and business administration from Illinois State University.