Village of Lemont Promotes Assistant Administrator as New Leader

Lemont officials have appointed Assistant Village Administrator George Schafer to take over as village administrator beginning next month.

Schafer, who has been with the village for eight years, will replace Ben Wehmeier, who is set to become the new county administrator for Jefferson County, WI, on July 1.

The village board unanimously approved Schafer's contract during its business  meeting Monday. The contract is effective through May 1, 2017, and includes a starting salary of $113,000.

“We’re very happy to have the ability to promote George,” Reaves said in an interview last week. "He has grown greatly during his time working for the village, and I think he's ready for this challenge."

Schafer, 31, came to Lemont in 2005 as an intern, a position he held for two years. He worked as a village planner in Roselle for a brief period in 2007, but later returned to Lemont as the assistant to the village administrator.

In 2009 he was promoted to his most recent position, assistant village administrator.

"I am excited about the opportunity to be the next Village Administrator for this great community," Schafer said in an email. "I look forward to working with the village board, staff, residents and others in accomplishing the village’s goals over the coming years. "

Schafer is a Michigan native, but currently resides in Lombard with his wife, Kate, and their newborn daughter. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Michigan State University and a master's degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University.