Mayor Taps Mark Koenen as New City Administrator

Mayor Raymond Rogina announced Wednesday that he will recommend the appointment of Mark W. Koenen as St. Charles city administrator, replacing exiting chief Brian Townsend.

The City Council will consider Koenen’s nomination officially during its Aug. 19, 2013 meeting, according to a release from the city. Upon council approval, the release states, Koenen would report for his first day on Aug. 31, 2013. He has served as the city’s Public Works director for the last 23 years,

Koenen’s appointment comes after Townsend announced his resignation July 19 to become Schaumburg’s village manager.

“Mark Koenen’s acceptance of the position of city administrator provides a seamless transition in this important responsibility in our town,” Rogina said in the release. “Mark is a well-respected leader in one of our city’s major departments. His professionalism, organization and devotion to quality resident service makes him a natural.”

“I am proud to represent the city of St Charles in this new capacity,” Koenen said. “I have lived in St. Charles for 30 years and raised three children here. My family has long enjoyed all our community has to offer. We are glad to call St. Charles ‘home.’ Looking ahead, I am anxious to partner with residents and commercial and industrial citizens who make our City their ‘home.’”

Koenen has led the city’s largest department of 96 employees, with a budget of $92 million, according to the city’s release. Street and utility maintenance have been a priority, under Koenen, as has been finding state and federal grants and low-interest loans for infrastructure upgrades and replacement.

Also during Koenen’s tenure as Public Works director, the city completed the Red Gate Bridge on time and under budget. He also has fostered innovation to process work activities with economic efficiency over the past six years in line with city sustainability initiatives.

He has a B.S. in civil engineering and is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration, according to the release, which notes that in 2012, he was awarded the Life Membership status to the American Public Works Association. Prior to working for the city, Koenen practiced civil engineering at a private consulting firm.