Macomb’s new community development director is Julie Leonard, who most recently served as the economic development and community development coordinator for Payson, Ariz.
Leonard will begin work in Macomb on Sept. 21. Her starting salary is $89,445.
Leonard is originally from Hanna City in central Illinois, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Knox College in Galesburg.
The city council approved the hire on a vote of 6-0. However, council member Dave Dorsett said they need to reconsider how hiring is done.
“We have a standing personnel committee. And if there is a standing committee, then items are supposed to go through them first,” he said.
Dorsett said council members did not receive Leonard’s resume in advance of the meeting in which they voted to hire her.
Leonard will be the second person to work in the position in Macomb this year. She replaces Cesar Suarez, who came to Macomb in January. City officials said he is returning to the Chicago area.
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