Following the departure of Assistant Village Manager Ashley Monroe from Riverside, Anne Cyran has been promoted to the director of community development.
Cyran, who worked as Riverside’s village planner for about three years, started in the newly created role on Monday, Aug. 25, and underwent onboarding with Monroe until her final day with the village on Thursday, Aug. 28.
Cyran is taking on most of the duties Monroe had performed, as Riverside is doing away with the assistant village manager position, Village Manager Jessica Frances told the Landmark. Some other tasks, especially those “more administrative in nature,” she added, will be taken on by Frances herself or handed down to Yvette Zavala, Riverside’s finance director, or Emily Stenzel, the village clerk.
“I was initially extremely excited to learn about that opportunity because it aligns exactly with what I’d like to do in my career,” Cyran told the Landmark. “As the village planner, I focused mostly on zoning and planning projects with a few other initiatives. In this expanded role, I’ll continue those responsibilities, but I’m also going to take on department management and broader strategic planning.”
Frances said Cyran’s promotion will lead to the elimination of the village planner position. If necessary, Riverside will bring in a planner on a contractual basis to assist with a greater-than-usual workload, she said.
“We have such a solid team that we’re able to either give additional responsibilities internally or also promote from within,” Frances said. “You don’t see that in every village, and I feel like Riverside’s really fortunate to have that.”
Cyran said her interest in community development began while she was earning her master’s degree in public administration from Michigan State University.
“I loved the idea of serving the community, and I wasn’t sure how I wanted to do that until I learned about planning, which perfectly aligns with my interests and my values because it’s community engagement in how people can best enjoy their community,” she said. “Riverside, especially, is a really special place. It’s beautiful, it’s community-oriented and it’s exceptionally well-planned. I’m passionate about planning and community development, and it’s a privilege to work in the village, which has a national reputation for excellence in the field.”
Cyran said there are several community development projects in the works in Riverside, including the construction of a five-story apartment complex at 28-30 E. Burlington St., an update to the village’s building codes and enhancement near the BNSF railroad to support businesses and improve sustainability.
“I want to make sure our development processes are more efficient and accessible while proactively planning for the village’s future,” she said. “I also want to foster a culture of collaboration within the department, within the village’s departments and with the community. I think we are known for providing high-quality customer service; I want to ensure that continues and explore opportunities to improve.”
Before her departure from Riverside, Monroe told the Landmark she felt Cyran was an ideal candidate to take charge of the village’s community development.
“Anne has been very integral in many of our operations in community development. When we brought her in a couple of years ago, I definitely saw the potential in Anne for whatever it is she puts her mind to. She has the foresight, and the thoughtful character of her personality, I think, suits Riverside,” she said. “I knew instinctively that Anne should be the person to, at least interim, be doing certain things with department operations.”
Cyran said she’s most excited to work further with the residents of Riverside in her new role.
“I’m really looking forward to what we’re planning for the future. I think community development works best when it’s done with the community, so I’m looking forward to listening, collaborating and leading projects that make the village even more livable and beautiful and welcoming.”
