Mark Janeck, Niles interim village manager, will officially exit the role Friday, and officials announced that the search for a permanent manager is entering the final phase.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to Acting Village Manager Mark Janeck, whose service to the Village has been invaluable during this period of transition,” mayor George Alpogianis stated in a village news release announcing Janeck’s departure. “Mark stepped into this role at a critical time, provided strong and steady leadership, prioritized key projects, and enhanced efficiency in our day-to-day operations.”
Janeck assumed the role of acting village manager Jan. 6 after Joseph La Margo stepped down Dec. 2, 2024. Janeck’s contract expires July 4.
He was in charge of handling the village’s day-to-day operations, as well as prioritizing select projects. Additionally, village leaders looked to Janeck to help determine the qualifications and needed skill sets of the permanent village manager, village spokesman Mitch Johnson told Pioneer Press via email
Deputy Village Manger Katie Schneider, who has worked alongside Janeck over the last six months, will be the interim village manager until the permanent replacement is selected, Johnson explained.
“I have confidence in her ability to maintain the same high level of performance and leadership,” the mayor said in the village news release about Schneider.
Alpogianis praised Schneider’s experience and “deep knowledge” of how the village operates, and has the respect of staffers and other village officials.
Johnson said the village has retained Charleston, Ill.-based Arndt Municipal Support, LLC to help Niles search for a new village manager. He said the goal is to make the hire by September.
“Mayor Alpogianis has repeatedly stated that hiring the next Village Manager would be a thorough approach, and that careful analysis would lay the groundwork for the final candidate selection that is underway,” Johnson stated.
Additionally, he said gaining Janeck’s perspective has been an instrumental part of the recruitment process.
Johnson said village leaders – including a Village Board committee and village staff – don’t yet have recruitment information to provide, including who has applied for the permanent position thus far, or how many applicants there are. However, he said information about the process is posted on the village website.