Spirit

City Manager to Retire after 20 Years with Elgin …Assistant to Take Reins

Elgin City Manager Olufemi Folarin announced his retirement from the City effective June 30, 2009.  

“It definitely has been quite a delight to serve the citizens of Elgin,” said Folarin, who has been employed with the City for more than 20 years, the last four and a half as City Manager.  “The leadership of the City Council and the cooperation and commitment to service of City employees has made it possible for me to be a part of a great organization.”

Elgin Mayor Ed Schock thanked Folarin for his leadership and direction.

“Femi brought a lot of stability to the City Manager’s office,” said Schock.  “We were seeing incredible growth and he worked hard at extending City services.  He was also instrumental in the revitalization of the downtown and moved to the front burner the City’s efforts to improve economic development.”

Schock said that it was on Folarin’s watch that much needed retail studies were completed to better establish a direction for retail development.


“Femi has done an incredible job as city manager,” said Schock.  “One of the things he has done particularly well is prepare our next city manager for the challenges of the position.”

Schock and the Elgin City Council also announced their intention to appoint Assistant City Manager Sean Stegall to the head post effective July 1, 2009.

“I’m honored,” said Stegall, who has served as Elgin’s Assistant City Manager for more than eight years.  “I’ve learned a tremendous amount from Femi – specifically grace under pressure.”

“Sean will be able to hit the ground running,” said Schock.  “The Council and I believe we have an outstanding candidate right here (in Elgin) that other communities are interested in interviewing.  Sean has done an outstanding job as the assistant city manager and we believe that he will be able to take us to the next level.”

Schock said that the City is also expecting other key staff members to retire this year and Stegall will provide insight and leadership needed to fill those positions.  

“The City is also facing some difficult decisions because of economy today,” said Schock.  “We believe Sean will be able to move Elgin forward.”