By Neshmia Malik
The village of St. Joseph finalized Joseph Hackney as their pick for Village Administrator at the board meeting on June 22 and released additional information on Hackney the following day.
“I’ve been impressed with this position and really take value in what the Village Administrator does for the community. I want to demonstrate to the governing body what I can bring to the community,” stated Hackney.”
Hackney attended undergraduate and graduate college at Eastern Illinois University. While completing his graduate program in 2017, Hackney received an internship working with the city of Arcola, Illinois, and Bill Wagner, a long-term mentor to the new Administrator.
“I fell in love with the profession ever since. I owe it all to Arcola and Wagner for where I am today,” said Hackney.
Joseph Hackney has been the City Administrator, Zoning Administrator and Code Enforcement Officer in the City of Valley Falls, Kan. since June of 2019 and will be the Village’s first administrator in the history of St. Joseph.
“I got a lot of experience at those two positions, and shortly after the opportunity to come back to Central Illinois presented itself and St. Joseph looks like a very wonderful community,” said Hackney.
While the Village of St. Joseph was looking to hire a village administrator for the past 12 years, after a few rounds of interviews, Hackney seemed the best fit for the city of St. Joseph.
“Joseph proved to be the best fit for St. Joseph. His character, passion for local government, and experience in team leadership were all qualities that we were looking for to help move the village to the next level,” Village President Tami Fruhling-Voges stated.
Hackney will handle day-to-day operations like Human Resources management and helping the Village board implement their goals.
“In city management, you’re involved with many things, not just one, you’re a generalist. You have to constantly be learning new skills and that was super appealing to me,” said Hackney.
Village President Fruhling-Voges mentioned that much of the community improvements are delayed due to there being no responsible party. With Hackey’s credibilities, she is hoping for change.
“I know the city has some major sewer expansion goals, that is something that is going to take some close management,” said Hackney.
Hackney stated that with him as village administrator, there will be better public communication, advancement of projects, consistent enforcement of the policy, while also having the ability to seek out available grants for other projects.
While the Mayor and Trustees oversee the Village’s goals, expecting the Village Board and Mayor to handle the day-to-day operations is not a reliable way to run the community.
“The government sets the big picture. I’m more like a driver, they tell me where they want to go and I drive. I make sure the car is running smoothly and in the right direction,” mentioned Hackney.
The new hire explained his role and the proactive ways he is looking to make a change.
“I’m a strong believer that the issues St. Joseph will inevitably face, another community has already faced and overcame,’” stated Hackney.
As issues like sewer expansion approach the Village, Hackney will address those problems, adopt the best practice from other communities and try to create procedures to help overcome these struggles.
“I think there’s a real opportunity to build upon the success of this community. Looking at the communities around St. Joseph likes Mahomet and Savoy, they have a good foundation and I’m looking forward to building upon it,” said Hackney.
Hackney is set to begin on July 26, 2021. Hackney will make $75,000 annually.
