Oak Forest Building Commissioner Gary Gerdes Announces Resignation

After four years of service, Oak Forest Building Commissioner Gary Gerdes has announced his resignation, effective December 12. Gerdes has accepted a position with the City of Evanston to manage its Building Office.

“We are going to miss Gary tremendously, but wish him well as he begins his new position in Evanston,” said Mayor Hank Kuspa. “Gary is very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience in construction so it will be hard to fill his shoes. He led the department through its busiest season this past summer and we appreciate that.”

After a May hailstorm caused severe damage to thousands of homes in Oak Forest, Gerdes was tasked with inspecting more than 2,000 properties as his staff issued a record number of permits and registered hundreds of contractors.

“It’s been a whirlwind the past few months but I believe we did our best to ensure the quality and integrity of the work being done in town,” Gerdes said. “I grew up in Oak Forest, so I will always look back fondly on this town and this job.”

Aside from a record-breaking year for the department, Gerdes is credited for securing a $75,000 grant from the South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority to recoup costs associated with vacant or abandoned properties. He also initiated a partnership with South Suburban College to provide internships to students participating in the school’s building and code enforcement program, and implemented an electronic record management system to track and archive permits.

Dave Beechy, the department’s building and apartment inspector, will serve as interim building commissioner until a replacement for Gerdes is appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council.

The City is seeking applicants for the role.