CASEY BIERNACKI
DEPUTY MANAGER, Village of WESTERN SPRINGS
Tell us about your journey into the profession:
In 2011, I found myself without a summer internship while in the last year of pursuing an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois in Chicago. I was unaware that a long-term career path for engineers was an option in the public sector until I began coursework on storm water management with Christopher Burke. It was largely because of those lectures that I began seeking internships at municipalities. I was lucky enough to have the option between a summer internship with the Illinois Department of Transportation or a longer term internship with the Village of Western Springs. Against the advice of many of my professors, I chose to become the Municipal Services Intern in April of 2011 and never looked back.
Why is local government a good career path?
A career in local government provides a unique opportunity to directly impact the lives and wellbeing of the people in your communities. The projects, community events, and day to day work you do are felt by residents and businesses in a very real way. Community members looking for more information also enjoy that you are only a phone call or e-mail away, which is not something they may be used to when contacting other state or federal agencies. You truly have the opportunity to foster relationships with stakeholders and witness how the changes you make impact their lives.
Fun fact about yourself:
I really like trying new restaurants in and around Chicago with my family and friends. Lately, the focus has been pizza and my current favorites are Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe, Freddy’s Pizza, Pequod’s, and Kim’s Uncle’s Pizza.
If you could give one piece of advice to future local government leaders, what would it be?
I would advise future local government leaders to continue promoting a healthy work/life balance for yourself and your staff. This industry is so rewarding, but it can be equally demanding and it is important that we all find the time we need to focus on ourselves and our families. It is also important to recognize and be comfortable with how quickly the industry is changing, especially in terms of technology. Have an open mind to new digital platforms, the use of AI, and replacing processes and procedures for more efficient options when it makes sense.
Shows/music/books you’re currently watching/listening to/reading:
We are really enjoying Shrinking on Apple +, which is a comedy series focused on a group of therapists pushing the standard boundaries of talk therapy while navigating everyday life.
I am currently making my way through the Wheel of Time book series by Robert Jordan and The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz.
My current musical rotation is all over the place with bands like Ghost, Nathanial Rateliff, and Thirty Seconds to Mars. You will find that my Spotify account also displays plenty of Taylor Swift, Peppa Pig, and Blippi, when my daughters take over.
Hobbies:
I currently live in Downers Grove with my wife Courtney and my two daughters Hailey (6) and Zoey (3). We spend a lot of time with our extended families for weeknight or weekend meals and often explore the Morton Arboretum, nearby parks, and downtown Downers Grove.
My personal hobbies include guitar, cooking, video gaming, running, hiking, and casual video editing.
