Des Plaines Hires New Director of Community, Economic Development

The city of Des Plaines has a new director of community and economic development. 

George Sakas has been hired for the position and comes to Des Plaines after spending eight years as the community development director of the village of Schiller Park. His first day in Des Plaines will be Monday, Dec. 16. 

His previous positions include  senior planner for the village of Antioch; regional manager for Chemical Safety Company in Schaumburg; environmental manager for the Army Corps of Engineers; and community planner for the Department of the Army.

He has experience in many facets of land planning, business development and redevelopment, managing Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIFs), and addressing building code and zoning compliance issues.

He is also well versed in business licensing, Community Development Block Grants, and economic development initiatives.  Additionally, George is very familiar with the O’Hare region’s business market.

Mr. Sakas holds a Master’s Degree of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as a Professional Development Certificate from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

“George’s wealth of experience and related knowledge has already made him a key addition to the city of Des Plaines and the senior staff team," said City Manager Michael Bartholomew in a press release. "I view his appointment as a demonstration of the City’s commitment to moving forward ... I’m confident George will play a key role in providing and implementing high-quality solutions for the city"

Source: City of Des Plaines press release