Outgoing Glen Ellyn finance chief roasted

What started as a typical village board workshop in Glen Ellyn quickly turned into an impromptu roast of departing Finance Director Jon Batek.

Led by police Chief Phil Norton and village Auditor Fred Lantz, officials took turns Monday teasing Batek, who will work his final day with the village Oct. 22 before taking the same position in Carol Stream.

“I knew Jon back during the time that he couldn't tell which side of the ledger was credit and which was debit, said Lantz, the director of government services for Glen Ellyn's auditor, Sikich LLP. The two met when Batek was working in Northbrook from 1993 to 1996.

Following his stint in that community, Batek spent five years as assistant finance director in Carol Stream before taking over in Glen Ellyn in 2001.

“There's talk about your departure downstairs (in the police department), Norton told Batek during the meeting. “One of the key reasons, though, is that you have never been late with a paycheck.

Batek took the ribbing in stride and said he would miss working with village officials. Although he took some shots, everyone agreed his departure will be a blow to the village.

“He is very professional to work with, Lantz said. “He always wanted to explore all options to make sure he understood the options and the ramifications to the village so he can make the best decision possible based on good information.

Assistant Finance Director Larry Noller will serve as acting director while the village seeks a replacement. Noller has worked as Batek's assistant for three years.

“He's been an excellent mentor and role model I will use going into my future, he said. “He's always a great personality to work with and has a good sense of humor.

Village Manager Steve Jones said village officials have received interest from several experienced finance directors after placing an ad in late September in trade magazines. The application deadline is Monday, Oct. 18.

“There are plenty of people who are really good finance directors, Jones said. “But Jon's strongest asset is his communication skills. He's got that element of a finance guy that is not typical. He brings complex concepts down to a level where all folks can understand it.

Jones said he expects a smooth transition, in part because of the systems Batek has set in place, many of which have led to finance awards for the village.

Batek will begin in Carol Stream on Oct. 25, hardly giving him a chance to catch his breath. But he said he was able to do so during the summer, when he took some time off for a cross-country bike ride.

As he looked back on nearly 10 years with the village, Batek said he was excited to fill the shoes of his longtime mentor, Stan Helgerson, who left this year as part of a buyout program in Carol Stream.

“It is just really exciting to come back and try to fill in for Stan, he said. “I look forward to renewing some of those relationships I had.