After 25 Years, Town Manager Announces Retirement

Town Manager John Schoeberlein announced his retirement to Town Council this week after 25 years in the position, and more than 40 in local government.

Schoeberlein will retire May 1, 2011. Town Managers are only required to give 90 days notice, but Schoeberlein will stay on for the next six months while the Council finds a replacement.After his retirement,he and his wife Julie will stay in Vienna "enjoying retirement life."

Town Council will hold a closed Executive Session Dec. 6 to discuss the search and selection process for the next town manager.

Schoeberlein began as Town Manager in Vienna in April 1985. Former councilman George Lovelace, who also retired this month on Nov. 1, recalled going to Illinois to interview Schoeberlein as a candidate.

"Thank you for your professionalism in enforcing policies of this council," Lovelace told Schoeberlein upon his own retirement.

Before Schoeberlein came to Vienna, he served as City Clerk for Highland Park, Illinois; Assistant City Manager for Pompano Beach, Florida; and a county administrator for Winnebago County, Illinois.

"During his career with the Town, John has consistently held a keen eye toward fiscal responsibility when making recommendations to Town Council and preparing the Town's annual budget," Mayor Jane Seeman said in a press release Nov. 17. "I admire and appreciate John's reliability and dependability and his ability to navigate critical situations with a steady hand.  He will truly be missed as both a leader and a colleague."

Schoeberlein said while he's looking forward to retirement, he will miss the many people he worked with during his time as Town Manager.

"I have had the honor and opportunity to work with many dedicated Council members and Town staff that care deeply about the Town of Vienna," he said.