Elwood Village Administrator Hired In Romeoville

ROMEOVILLE, IL — A familiar face is returning to Romeoville's village hall. Marian Gibson, who previously served as village manager before the role belonged to Steve Gulden, is returning as a special projects coordinator, starting July 30.

Gulden said Gibson will work part time, no more than 1,000 hours per year. She will be paid $45 per hour.

Gibson most recently served as the village administrator in Elwood, where she was involved in negotiations for the ill-fated NorthPoint development. The controversial project, which would have brought at a massive warehouse facility to a 2,200-acre parcel, was halted after annexation for the property was cancelled in April. A grassroots movement was created to oppose the campaign, which some feared would bring heavy truck traffic to the area and a "Just Say No To Northpoint" Facebook group was vocal about the project.

Gibson announced her resignation from her village administrator position earlier this month, saying she planned to spend more time with her family. Elwood Mayor Doug Jenco told WJOL the NorthPoint controversy had nothing to do with her resignation.

Her last day in Elwood is July 27, just three days before she starts her new job in Romeoville.

Romeoville village documents indicate Gibson served as village manager under former Mayor Fred DeWald.

Gulden said she resigned from that post 13 years ago to accept a job in Manhattan, where she also served as village administrator, before taking on the Elwood job.

He questioned the interest in Gibson's new Romeoville role.

"I think people are being vindictive," he said, referring to the NorthPoint controversy. "She did what her board asked her to do."

Gulden called Gibson "a great talent," saying she will be working on special development projects for the Village of Romeoville. He said he couldn't yet disclose the specific projects Gibson could be helming.

"We want to bring in the best people," Gulden said. "(Development) is kind of her forte."

Photo via Romeoville Patch file/Shannon Antinori