Clarendon Hills village President Eric Tech has decided to scrap plans to search for a new village manager and, instead, continue to have acting village manager Paul Dalen work in that position.
Dalen, who grew up in Clarendon Hills, became acting village manager Oct. 1 with the resignation of village manager Zach Creer. Dalen had been the Clarendon Hills public safety director since February 2024, and prior to that was police chief for six years, a position he was appointed to after working in the village since 1994.
“Paul Dalen’s decades of service to Clarendon Hills speak volumes about his commitment to this community,” said Tech, who discussed his decision to keep Dalen as villager manager with some Village Board members “His experience, integrity, and calm leadership have helped ensure stability and progress, and we are confident the village will continue to thrive under his guidance.”
Tech said Dalen will continue as village manager “for the foreseeable future,” and Dalen said he will stay on “as long as needed.”
“It’s an honor to continue serving Clarendon Hills,” Dalen said. “I truly enjoy working alongside our department heads and the Village Board as we pursue strategic objectives and continue building a strong, responsive organization for our residents.”
Assistant village manager Mera Johson said Dalen has been a great fit for the village during his time as acting village manager.
Chuck Fieldman / Pioneer Press
Clarendon Hills police Chief Paul Dalen, right, sits in November 2017 with former Chief Boyd Farmer. Now acting village manager for Clarendon Hills, Dalen will continue in that role, officials said. (Pioneer Press)
“He works so well with everyone, he knows the village so well, and many residents know him because he’s been a part of the community for so long,” she said.
Tech said over the past several months, with Dalen serving as acting village manager, village operations have reflected a stable, organized and positive direction marked by effective collaboration between staff, department leadership and the Village Board.
The decision by Tech to keep Dalen on as village manager came after a process had started to do a search for someone to fill the position. Johnson previously said she was not interested.
That process included a survey of all Village Board members about priorities and what they were looking for in a new village manager, along with a review of the job description.
“Paul’s unique background gives him a rare and valuable perspective,” Tech said. “He understands our organization from the ground up, and that insight has been instrumental in maintaining continuity and forward momentum.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
