Lake Forest City Manager Appointed to National Post

 Lake Forest City Manager Robert R. Kiely, Jr. has recently been appointed by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) as the Midwest Vice President for 2011-2013.  Kiely will be installed into office in September at the 2011 Annual Conference in Milwaukee, WI.

ICMA is the premier local government leadership and management organization.  Founded in 1914, its mission is to create excellence in local governance by developing and advocating professional management of local government worldwide.  ICMA provides member support, publications, data and information, peer and results-oriented assistance, and training and professional development to more than 8,200 city, town and county experts throughout the world.

ICMA’s origins lie in the development of the council-manager form of government, which combines the strong professional experience of an appointed local government manager or administrator with the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council, board or other governing body. 

A 1979 graduate of Lake Forest college, Kiely received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas in 1981.  His first job as a local government professional was with the City of Lake Forest from 1980-1982 when he served as assistant to the city manager.  His professional development continued in his role as assistant to the village manager with the Village of Wilmette, where he served for four years.  In 1986, he assumed his first manager’s position when he became city administrator for the City of Prospect Heights.

Kiely returned to Lake Forest in 1990 when the city council appointed him city manager.  During the past 21 years as the City’s key administrator, he has worked with 13 mayors and city councils to ensure the delivery of high-quality services while maintaining the long-term financial stability of the City.  He has a strong commitment to ongoing professional development for his staff and himself.  Kiely lives in Lake Forest with his wife, Alison, and has three grown children.

Mayor James J. Cowhey, Jr. states that “We are extremely fortunate to have Bob Kiely as our City Manager.  He has a great knowledge of this form of governance and a deep sense of responsibility to his fellow community members.”