Joliet Hires Lauren Staley Ferry For City Hall: 'I Am Beyond Excited'

JOLIET — The city of Joliet issued a press release on Wednesday announcing that Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry applied for and has accepted a job offer to become Joliet’s new City Clerk.

The City Clerk post was being advertised for applications since Joliet's long-time city clerk Christa Desiderio took on the role of deputy city manager earlier this year, according to Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Joliet's media engagement and communications director.

Staley Ferry was elected Will County Clerk in 2018.

The press release outlined how Joliet City Manager Beth Beatty made the final decision to hire Staley Ferry. Joliet Patch learned that Staley Ferry's starting salary overseeing the city clerk's staff at City Hall will be $139,510.

“Lauren will bring her knowledge and expertise to the position and allow for this to be a much smoother transition to such an important position in city government,” Beatty stated in Wednesday's press release. “We posted the position months ago and I interviewed a number of candidates for the job, but no one could start day one with this much experience except Lauren.”

Beatty expects Staley Ferry to begin her new role August 21 . “Lauren has to finalize her role with the county and once that is complete, she will start with the city," Beatty noted.

According to Joliet, Staley Ferry initiated an automated Vote By Mail program following the COVID-19 pandemic while expanding early voting to 25 locations throughout Will County. In 2021, Staley Ferry was chosen by the Illinois State Crime Commission to receive its honor for Transparency in County Government award.

“I am beyond excited about this opportunity to work for the city I was born and raised in, where my son and stepdaughters go to school, and where I see so much progress and growth,” stated Staley Ferry. “I welcome the opportunity to utilize my experience and skills to serve the 3rd largest city in Illinois. I look forward to working with City Manager Beatty, Mayor D’Arcy and the City Council along with my future colleagues in leadership to continue the good work we are tasked to do on behalf of the residents we serve.”