Edward Bailey, Riverside’s interim public works director since late June, was hired on a permanent basis Friday by Village Manager Peter Scalera. He chose Bailey, former city administrator in Countryside, from a pool of 12 candidates.
“I think after the second interviews it became very clear Ed was the right person,” said Scalera.
Bailey took the reins of the department after the abrupt departure of Greg Koch, who had been public works director for the previous 18 months. Bailey’s handling of several water main projects was cited as an example of his ability to organize and respond to issues related to large-scale efforts.
“He was able to come in and pick up a number of projects and not miss a step,” Scalera said. “Especially with the water main projects he was effective at getting issues addressed in a timely manner and at keeping on top of the issues.”
Scalera said Bailey was able to provide “stability” while leading the department, calling him, “a team-builder type of person.”
“He’s able to keep cool in situations and really look at everything and make a decision,” Scalera said.
Bailey will be paid an annual salary of $85,000 and qualifies for health insurance and municipal pension benefits as outlined in the village’s employee manual.
Prior to coming to Riverside, Bailey spent nine years as Countryside’s city administrator. Before that he was director of operations and maintenance for the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base Development Authority in Gwinn, Mich. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and has a bachelor’s degree in land use planning from Northern Michigan University.
– Bob Uphues
