2 Buffalo Grove Employees Promoted To New Leadership Roles

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Two village of Buffalo Grove employees have assumed new leadership roles, allowing a third staffer to become full-time deputy village manager, officials said.

Chris Stilling, who had been serving in the dual role of community development director and deputy village manager, will become full-time deputy village manager, officials said in a news release.

That position had been vacant since August 2021, officials said. That month, then-Deputy Village Manager Jennifer Maltas resigned, The Daily Herald reported.

To allow for Stilling's shift in responsibilities, Nicole Woods will become the village's new director of community development.

Woods, who previously served as deputy director of community development, has served in various city planning and administrative roles in Buffalo Grove since 2015, officials said.

As director of community development, she will oversee planning, zoning, building permitting, inspections, environmental health and economic development functions, officials said.

Woods holds a master's degree in city and regional planning and a B.A. in sociology and urban studies.

Mike Skibbe, current director of the public works department, was promoted as well — in addition to his current responsibilities, he will serve as deputy village manager, officials said.

In his dual role, Skibbe will oversee all public works and utility functions, police services, golf operations, and administrative functions in the Office of the Village Manager.

A 22-year village of Buffalo Grove employee, Skibbe has served in engineering, administrative and operations roles. Officials said he has shown "strong leadership" on several projects, including the village's $175 million infrastructure modernization program and emerald ash borer reforestation program.

Skibbe holds a master of business administration and a bachelor of engineering degree.

"We are excited to see these young professionals continue to advance in their careers and in our organization," Village Manager Dane Bragg said in a statement. "We are excited to see how each of their roles will contribute to the progress yet to come on major Village initiatives including the Town Center redevelopment, enhanced communications and infrastructure management."

Woods' and Skibbe's promotions took effect on Monday.