Former Rolling Meadows finance director now overseeing the books in Arlington Heights

A finance administrator who has spent more than 25 years balancing the books of state, county and municipal governments has been hired as Arlington Heights’ new finance director.

Melissa Gallagher’s first day on the $185,000-a-year job was Monday, following a search and interview process in which 47 people applied. Village Manager Randy Recklaus and other top village staff chose Gallagher.

She takes over for Tom Kuehne, who retired last week after 21 years as village finance director and treasurer.

Gallagher held the same role from 2012 to 2021 in neighboring Rolling Meadows, where she doubled as temporary city manager for four months amid turmoil related to the firing of longtime City Manager Barry Krumstok by then-Mayor Joe Gallo and aldermen.

She left in October 2021 to become deputy finance director in Lake County, and for the past year was chief financial officer, overseeing a $659 million budget and staff of two dozen.

Gallagher started her career as a grant and budget manager for the Illinois Department of Labor, administering a workforce development grant program. After eight years she was hired in Rolling Meadows as a senior accountant, and then worked her way up the administrative ladder over the next 15 years.

“Her extensive experience in government finance and leadership will be a tremendous asset to our village,” Recklaus said. “Melissa’s expertise and strategic vision will complement our outstanding finance staff, ensuring the continued financial strength of our community.”

Gallagher holds a master’s degree in accounting and financial management from Keller Graduate School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in social science from Michigan State University. She is a member and past president of the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association.