Northfield Village Board Hires Kenilworth Village Manager Patrick Brennan

NORTHFIELD, IL — The Northfield Village Board on Tuesday is expected to finalize the hiring of Kenilworth Village Manager Patrick Brennan, who has led the staff of the wealthy lakefront enclave for the past dozen years.

The hiring comes at the culmination of a nationwide search that attracted more than 30 applicants amid turmoil and interim leadership at Village Hall.

Brennan started his public sector career as a police officer in Middletown, Ohio, before coming to the North Shore and getting a job as deputy city manager in Highland Park. Kenilworth hired him in 2012.

“Patrick Brennan is a proven leader with a strong record as a visionary Village Manager,” Northfield village trustees said in a joint statement.

“He has outstanding communications skills and a reputation for excellence in managing people, projects and progress," they continued. "We are excited to introduce Patrick to the Northfield community and village staff and businesses. Sometimes you find the ideal person right next door.”

In Kenilworth, Brennan led initiatives aimed at reducing residential flooding and improve fire-hydrant efficacy through multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects. He also led staff efforts to establish the village's first tax increment financing district and place a $2.5 million bond referendum question on Tuesday's ballot.

Stacy Sigman spent 25 years as Northfield Village Manager and had a contract that ran until May 2025.

Sigman alleged the trustees had made her job impossible and, last summer, negotiated a deal with the village board that required taxpayers to keep paying her $267,000 salary, plus benefits, through the end of her contract as well as a $85,000 payment in exchange for declining to sue the village.

Former Northfield Finance Director Steve Noble succeeded Signman on an interim basis for one quarter. After that, former Wilmette Village Manager Tim Frenzer was hired as interim village manager on a short-term contract.

Brennan is expected to begin work on April 29.

"Northfield has a well-established reputation for professionalism and community engagement," Brennan said in a statement following his appointment. "I look forward to working closely with the Village Board and residents to achieve their vision for the village."