Highland Park Names New Deputy City Manager

The following information is from the City of Highland Park:

Highland Park City Manager Ghida Neukirch is pleased to announce the appointment of Rudy Espiritu as the City’s new Deputy City Manager. Espiritu’s appointment is effective October 20, 2014.

Espiritu comes to Highland Park with more than 15 years experience working in local government administration. Espiritu brings extensive experience in labor relations, financial management and economic development. Espiritu has been the Assistant City Manager in the City of Dekalb since 2007, and has also served as Financial Specialist for the City of Rolling Meadows, and Budget Analyst for the Village of Oak Park.

While Assistant City Manager in Dekalb, Espiritu acted as chief budget officer, preparing, developing and presenting the $79 million budget including issuance of $12.8 million in bonds for the redevelopment of the downtown district and $12 million in bonds for the construction of the City’s police department. Additionally, he oversaw all City TIF districts and acted as Interim City Manager for six months in the absence of the manager.

“I am so pleased to welcome Rudy as Deputy City Manager. He comes with a wealth of knowledge regarding all facets of local government management,” City Manager Ghida Neukirch said. “His experience, professionalism and enthusiasm will make him an instrumental member of the team.” Espiritu is recipient of the 2012 Leadership Award for Excellence in Achievement in Labor Relations from the Illinois Public Employers Labor Relations Association and is a long-time member of the International City Manager’s Association and National Public Employer Labor Relations Association. Espiritu holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration both from University of Illinois – Chicago.