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Vinezeano to be named Niles’ acting village manager
Steve Vinezeano
Updated: February 4, 2013 1:16AM
NILES — With the announcement that Niles Village Manager George Van Geem will be leaving his leadership position this month, Assistant Village Manager Steve Vinezeano is preparing to step up to the plate.
Vinezeano is expected to be appointed acting village manager at the Dec. 11 Niles Village Board meeting.
“I’m like an old soldier,” Vinezeano said. “If someone asks me to stand in and help the community I’m going to salute and do the best I can.”
Vinezeano said he is not yet sure if he will apply for the permanent position of village manager.
Niles Mayor Robert Callero has formed a village manager search committee that includes himself and Trustees Louella Preston and Andrew Przybylo, the two longest-standing village trustees. A professional search firm could be hired to find qualified village manager candidates.
Village Attorney Joe Annunzio said Callero will appoint the next village manager with the consent and approval of the Village Board.
Van Geem was hired as the new finance director for the village of Skokie. His last day as the Niles village manager is Dec. 7.
As acting village manager, Vinezeano expects to receive an increase in his salary, but it is not yet known what the amount will be. According to village documents his current annual salary is $108,000.
“It’s an exciting time in the community,” Vinezeano said. “The only thing I’m concerned about is keeping all of the dishes in the air.”
Vinezeano said that as acting village manager he will first establish the village’s top priorities.
Vinezeano joined Niles in 2000 and has been the assistant village manager for the past 10 years. During his time with the village Vinezeano was the project manager for a 10-member Comprehensive Plan Committee and project manager for the eight-member Storm Water Commission formed to help relieve flooding issues in the village. He is also responsible for developing and managing the largest community rain garden project in Cook County and proposed and created a commercial refuse program that reduced costs by more than 20 percent and increased recycling.
