Jason C. Wicha, the Chief Administrative Officer of the City, was appointed by the City Council on December 3, 2018. Mr. Wicha succeeds Bob Kiely, who announced his retirement from the City in July of 2018 after 28 years of service.
Mr. Wicha has 12 years of experience in local government management. For the past four years, Mr. Wicha served as the Assistant Village Manager in Skokie, Illinois (pop. 65,000). Prior to that, he served as the Village Administrator of Thornton, Illinois (pop. 2,500) and as a Management Intern in the City of Ypsilanti, Michigan (pop. 21,000).
Mr. Wicha earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003 from Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York and a Master of Public Administration degree in 2007 from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
"The City Council and I are impressed with Mr. Wicha's professional demeanor, extensive experience and his leadership and management style,m which we believe are an excellent fit for the Lake Forest community and City staff organization," said Mayor Rob Lansing. "He is well-versed in municipal processes and finance, and the many facets that comprise a healthy, thriving community such as Lake Forest."
In Skokie, Mr. Wicha also served as the Chief Budget Officer and made significant enhancements to infrastructure investment and public safety pension contributions. He spearheaded implementation of a new ERP software system, improving residents' online processes and procedures. In addition, Mr. Wicha has been instrumental in securing competitive grants, negotiating economic development agreements and managing successful public-private partnerships.
"I am honored to be selected as the next City Manager for The City of Lake Forest. I look forward to working with the City's elected officials and professional staff. My family and I also look forward to becoming part of the Lake Forest community, with its rich history of service, philanthropy and volunteerism." Mr. Wicha and his wife have two children, a 7 year-old daughter and a 4 year-old son.