'Get The Job Done': La Grange Official Hailed

LA GRANGE, IL – Former La Grange Village Manager Andrianna Peterson was hailed Monday for her 16 years of service to the community, with one ex-official saying she followed a simple philosophy – "get the job done."

Peterson, whose last day was Friday after 16 years, attended Monday's Village Board meeting. At the session, officials adopted a resolution in her honor and praised her service.

She was the assistant manager for 11 years and then village manager for the last five.

Former Village Trustee Bill Holder noted the village's resolution credited Peterson for her leadership role in the renovation of the Stone Avenue train station.

"How about her convincing ComEd to renovate the electrical system, so we had better reliability than any community in our area?" Holder said. "If there are four words I could say about you, it's 'get the job done.'"

Trustee Shawana McGee, who started in the pandemic's first months, said Peterson helped her a lot the first year on the job.

"It wasn't an easy job because there are a lot of things I didn't know and I didn't understand," McGee said. "But she took the time and effort to make sure I was ready for the task."

For years, McGee said, Peterson helped unite the community.

Village President Mark Kuchler said Peterson made sure "the trains ran on schedule, things got done when they were supposed to be done."

"We didn't have scandals. We didn't have any real problems, and we really thank Andri for her dedication," Kuchler said. "She was a tireless employee and put in countless hours and really helped make the village such a wonderful place."

Peterson said few jobs are as fulfilling, especially in helping improve people's lives.

"I will miss you all very much," she said.

She received a standing ovation.

According to the village, Peterson let officials know last month that she was leaving Village Hall. It was not made public until a memo about her departure appeared in the agenda packet Thursday for this week's board meeting.

Patch emailed Peterson last week about her next career move, but she did not respond.

Charity Jones the village's community development director, was appointed to serve as acting manager while the village searches for a permanent replacement.