Meet Village Hall

Meet Tom Mick, Village Manager

Q1: Tell us your name, department, and how long you’ve been with the Village. 

A1: Thomas Mick, Administration, 24 years. 

Q2: What exactly does a Village Manager do?

A2: The Village Manager works with the Mayor and Board of Trustees to facilitate strategic planning, policy development, and budget review and approval. The Manager also informs the Elected Officials of weekly updates on all that is happening with Village operations. Finally, the Manager works with the Senior Management Staff to oversee the day-to-day operations of all Village departments while responding to citizen inquiries. 

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working in public service and why?

A3: To make a difference. I welcome the opportunity to provide responsive customer service and build rapport with residents. In many cases, prompt customer service – even in cases where I have to give an answer that is not what the resident would like to hear – catches the public off-guard when they may have the perception that bureaucrats will not be responsive. The result is, I believe, enhanced credibility in the eyes of the public. 

Q4: What is one thing you would like residents to know about your department?

A4: Most of the Admin Department lives in or has lived in Park Forest. 

Q5: What is your favorite food and color? 

A5: Steak and green. 

Q6: What is a hobby or pastime you enjoy? 

A6: I love to grill, fish, and travel.

Q7: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I served four years in the United States Marine Corps and am an Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield veteran. I climbed to the top of Mt. Fuji in Japan.

Q8: Consider something you want residents to know that isn’t detailed in the above questions.

A8: My wife (Tracy) and I have raised our three children and lived in Park Forest for 22 of the past 24 years. I coached in Park Forest Youth Baseball for 12 seasons and loved every minute of every season. 

Meet Mark Pries, Finance Director/Deputy Village Manager

Q1: Tell us your name, department, and how long you’ve been with the Village. 

A1: Mark Pries, Finance Department, and I’ve been with Park Forest for over 12 years on two occasions. I was the Assistant Finance Director from 1995 to 2002 and have been the Deputy Village Manager since June 2017.

Q2: What exactly does a Finance Director/Deputy Village Manager do?

A2: A Deputy Village Manager/Finance Director has two different responsibilities. My primary responsibility is the Finance Director role and managing the Finance Department. My primary duty is the production, assembly, and constant analysis of the annual budget. As for being the Deputy Village Manager, I serve as Acting Village Manager in the absence of the Village Manager and am involved in more Administration issues than if I were only the Finance Director.

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working in public service and why?

A3: When I graduated college, working in government was not on my radar. However, I grew up in Chicago Heights, and they advertised for an entry-level staff accountant when I graduated, so I applied and got the job. I had worked internships in CPA firms and did not like the culture where the only thing that mattered was the bottom line – making money for the firm. Local government fits me perfectly as it is easy to relate to because almost everyone has dealt with their local government services at some point. Hence, its focus was not on making money but on serving the community. I like this because, even though I’m an accountant by education, being a productive human being has always been more appealing to me than money.

Q4: What is one thing you would like residents to know about your department?

A4: The Finance Department in Park Forest has three distinct areas – the front counter/water billing section, the Information Technology (IT) team, and the accounting section. Each area provides very different services, but all fall under the Finance Department’s management. So, the various issues the department managers and I deal with daily can make for some very hectic days.

Q5: What is your favorite food and color? 

A5: My favorite color is easily – blue. Favorite food is difficult as it depends on my mood and the time of year. So, I can’t say I have a favorite food, but since I should answer, I’ll say steak cooked on the grill with grilled asparagus and baked potato (not microwaved!).

Q6: What is a hobby or pastime you enjoy? 

A6: This is a difficult question to answer as I am a musician, but I also love to fish, and my favorite place is on the water. However, I don’t ice fish; I do not have the patience for it. So, playing music is my favorite, and I play three instruments - the electric bass guitar, the guitar, and the drums.

Q7: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A: I’m the youngest of seven. The stories I can tell you are precisely what you can imagine – no privacy, constant hand-me-down clothes, battles on what to watch on TV, and the list goes on and on. What took me a long time to understand when I was young was that some people have a small family, and holiday gatherings would be between three to 10 people, not something between 14 to 20 when I was a kid and then over 30. Now that I have nieces and nephews as well as grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Q8: Consider something you want residents to know that isn’t detailed in the above questions.

A8: I’d like the residents to know the Village of Park Forest is only one of eight or nine government entities on a property tax bill and is only responsible for our amount of property taxes. All the other governments set the amounts they charge in property taxes, and the Village of Park Forest has nothing to do with these other government entities. Looking at a property tax bill, a taxpayer will see the Village, either Cook or Will County (and the county usually has multiple line items on a property tax bill), two of the several school districts that cover Park Forest, Prairie State College, the Library, the Township (which usually has three-line items of charges), the mosquito abatement district and Thorn Creek Sanitary district.

Meet Lawrence Kerestes, Director of Community Development

 Q1: Tell us your name, department, and how long you’ve been with the Village. 

A1: Lawrence Kerestes, Department of Community Development, 42 years.

Q2: What exactly does a Directory of Community Development do?

A2: Director of Community Development – the Department oversees all Building Permit construction activity, Regulatory Property Maintenance Code Enforcement, Zoning Code Enforcement, and Housing Authority of Park Forest personnel.

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working in public service and why?

A3: The goal is to provide quality service delivery to the residents of Park Forest. 

Q4: What is a hobby or pastime you enjoy?

A4: Reading Political Science Journals.

Q5: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A5: I live and work in the town I grew up in.

Q6: Consider something you want residents to know that isn’t detailed in the above questions.

A6: The cultural heritage of the Village of Park Forest is a civic-minded, non-political party, non-partisan associated Board of Trustees, and a Village Manager/Trustee form of government with a professional administrative staff.

Meet Roderick Ysaguirre, Director of Public Works

Q1: Tell us your name, department, and how long you’ve been with the Village. 

A1: Roderick Ysaguirre, Public Works Dept., 20 years with Village.

Q2: What exactly does a Director of Public Works do?

A2: The Director of Public Works directs and oversees the day-to-day operations, construction, and maintenance of Village infrastructure. The position includes, but is not limited to, planning, designing, administering, and supervising work regarding water supply, purification and distribution, sewer collection and transportation, snow and ice control, street lighting, public sidewalks, and permitting other utility improvements on public property.

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working in public service and why?

A3: Knowing that my work and that of our department are for maintaining and improving the quality of life for residents. I get workplace fulfillment in knowing that our work can provide a greater good for the most significant number of people. 

Q4: What is one thing you would like residents to know about your department?

A4: The Public Works Dept. staff are first responders.

Q5: What is your favorite food and color? 

A5: Mexican Food, Navy blue.

Q6: What is a hobby or pastime you enjoy? 

A6: I loved playing soccer and running; now I collect 45 rpm vinyl records, VHS movies, and cassette tapes.

Q7: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A7: I am an International Yo-Yo Champion.

Q8: Consider something you want residents to know that isn’t detailed in the above questions.

A8: Working for the Village has been my first and only job after college. I enjoy working for this Village and with the Village staff. 

Meet Kevin Adams, Director of Recreation, Parks, and Community Health

Q1: Tell us your name, department, and how long you’ve been with the Village. 

A1: Kevin Adams, Recreation, Parks and Community Health. I am in my 15^th year of service with Park Forest.

Q2: What exactly does a Director of Recreation and Parks do?

A2: As the Director of Recreation, Parks, and Community Health, I oversee various aspects of public service. We provide maintenance of parks and facilities, community events, youth and adult programming, and community trips.

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working in public service and why?

A3: As a native of Park Forest, this community is the base of who I am. Public service is essential to providing the quality of life that every resident deserves.

Q4: What is one thing you would like residents to know about your department?

A4: We are a fun and energetic group of people who genuinely enjoy adding to the lifestyles of our residents.

Q5: What is your favorite food and color? 

A5: Food: Pizza; Color: Red

Q6: What is a hobby or pastime you enjoy? 

A6: I am an avid cigar smoker. At the end of a tough day, smoking a good cigar brings me peace and allows me to reflect upon the day that was.

Q7: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A7: I am a proud self-proclaimed nerd. I love to collect action figures and vinyl records and read comic books.

Q8: Consider something you want residents to know that isn’t detailed in the above questions.

A8: The staff in RPCH genuinely love what they do. We take pride in offering quality services to the residents of Park Forest and welcome their feedback.

Meet Audretta Bell, Administrative Assistant in the Building Department

Q1: Tell us your name, department, and how long you’ve been with the Village. 

A1: Audretta Bell, Building Department, and I've worked for the Village for almost two years in Jan. 2023. 

Q2: What exactly does an Administrative Assistant in the Building Department do?

A2: My duties are to assist with the day-to-day responsibilities that include filing, data entry, customer services, and more.  

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working in public service and why?

A3: Working in public service provides personal fulfillment; I get to help someone today. 

Q4: What is one thing you would like residents to know about your department?

A4: When people come to the counter with an issue, we are ready to resolve it, but sometimes it is out of our control.  

Q5: What is your favorite food and color? 

A5: Good old fashion hamburger with no cheese/ My favorite color is white.

Q6: What is a hobby or pastime you enjoy? 

A6: Well, that’s an easy one watching Hallmark movies on Saturday and watching my grandkids. 

Q7: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A7: I love dancing and listening to all types of music. 

Q8: Consider something you want residents to know that isn’t detailed in the above questions.

A8: I am a nice person that takes care of business with a smile. 

Meet Arteilla Sanchez, Administrative Assistant in Public Works

Q1: Tell us your name, department, and how long you’ve been with the Village. 

A1: Arteilla Sanchez, I work in the Public Works Department and have been here for over a year. 

Q2: What exactly does an Administrative Assistant in the Public Works Department do?

A2: I am the administrative assistant, and I help with the day-to-day operations of our department. I also assist residents with village concerns.

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working in public service and why?

A3: My favorite thing about working in public service is learning how a small town operates. It’s fascinating to know what goes on behind the scenes to make a city or village function properly. 

Q4: What is one thing you would like residents to know about your department?

A4: I want residents to know how hard our crew guys work to maintain the village. The long days, unpleasant weather conditions, and physical demands make our guys even more special.

Q5: What is your favorite food and color? 

A5: My favorite food is tacos, and my favorite color is black. 

Q6: What is a hobby or pastime you enjoy? 

A6: I enjoy watching true crime documentaries in my downtime. 

Q7: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A7: I have a dog named Luna. 

Meet Teresa Lucas, Administrative Assistant in Recreation, Parks, and Community Health

Q1: Tell us your name, department, and how long you’ve been with the Village. 

A1: Teresa Brown, Recreation, Parks and Community Health. I have been with the Village for 11 years. I started as an intern in 2012 and was officially hired in 2014.

Q2: What exactly does an Administrative Assistant in Recreation and Parks do?

A2: As an Administrative Assistant of the Recreation, Parks, and Community Health Department, I wear many hats that provide excellent customer service to our community. But to detail it out, I do the basics like answering the phones, event registrations, billing, departmental payroll, and assisting our Director and Assistant Director. Boring right? But I also do fun stuff like programming, Village Hall employee events for the holidays, community event planning and assisting, coordinating office projects, and brochure creation. Manage department website and tennis marquees. Lastly, I develop processes that streamline paperwork for staff and residents. 

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working in public service and why?

A3: My favorite thing about working in public service is simply advocating for the people. I love helping people and ensuring they receive the service I want for myself or my loved ones. 

Q4: What is one thing you would like residents to know about your department?

A4: If the residents don’t know by now, we are the fun department. We listen to our residents and try to provide them with fun events, trips, and programs that their whole family will enjoy. Although we are characters at times and love our job, we really take the needs of our residents seriously. It is important to us that the Village residents have a voice in the community they choose to live in.

Q5: What is your favorite food and color? 

A5: Favorite Food: Steak & Potatoes; Favorite Color: Green

Q6: What is a hobby or pastime you enjoy?

A6: Some hobbies I enjoy are shooting pool and playing darts. 

Q7: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A7: I love playing board games during family time. I am undefeated in the game of Sorry, Clue, and Dominoes. My favorite card game is Spades.

Q8: Consider something you want residents to know that isn’t detailed in the above questions.

A8: The Village is a family. We put everything we have into getting the job done because when you smile, we smile.