The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County Board of Directors tonight voted to appoint David Van Vooren to serve as its new executive director.

SWANCC is an intergovernmental agency that delivers waste hauling and a host of recycling and educational programs to residents in 23 north and northwest suburban communities.

“When we set out on a national search for SWANCC’s next executive director, we knew we had to find a leader who could take our mission, improve upon it and give us the strategic leadership we need to move the agency forward.  David will help us do that,” said Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, chairman of SWANCC’s Executive Committee.  “In addition to a proven record working in public service, David brings depth, leadership and a strong fiscal management background to the Agency.   We’ve made it clear to David that job one is ensuring the continued delivery of top-notch services to our member communities in the most efficient and fiscally responsible way we possibly can.

Prior to accepting his new post, Van Vooren served as the director of public works for the City of Naperville, where he managed a $22 million department with 105 employees.  He has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver results and has earned the respect of colleagues for his careful listening skills, strong financial and analytical skills, and straightforward communications.

“It’s a privilege to be asked by the Board of Directors to lead SWANCC. I am familiar with the work SWANCC has done over its long history and am impressed with the direction it is heading,” said Mr. Van Vooren, 55.  “The communities and residents we serve are demanding that services be delivered professionally, capably and in the most affordable way possible.  So, we will demand the same of ourselves.  It’s my job to find ways that we can deliver even greater value to the residents that we serve during an era that demands fiscal responsibility.”

Prior to his work for the City of Naperville, he served as the Village Administrator in Plainfield (1991-1996), the Deputy Village Manager in Downers Grove (2001-2005) and the Executive Director for the Northwest Water Commission (1996-2001), an intergovernmental agency created to deliver potable water to its member communities in Northwest Cook County.

The SWANCC Executive Committee conducted a national search for a new executive director and received scores of resumes from candidates in 15 states.  Mr. Van Vooren will replace acting executive director, Steven Schilling, a 14-year veteran of SWANCC.

“The Executive Committee and Board of Directors also thanks Steve for guiding the Agency with a very steady and skilled hand these past several months,” said Van Dusen.  “He, more than anyone else is responsible for helping us stay focused on our mission during a period of transition for the Agency.”

Van Vooren will begin on Sept. 20.