In a historic move, Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy announced the City Council has selected Beth Beatty to serve as the new Joliet City Manager.

The City Council made the decision during a special council meeting held Monday evening. Beatty brings a strong background in municipal government and law to her new position.

“Ms. Beatty’s qualifications include a law degree and extensive experience in municipal government,” explained Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy. “She served as a policy analyst, Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Finance, and most recently as the Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs in the City of Chicago. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has worked closely with members of the Chicago City Council and will bring valuable expertise to her role as Joliet’s City Manager,” added D’Arcy. 

   During her career in Chicago, Beatty worked for Mayors Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emanuel, Lori Lightfoot, and Brandon Johnson. As Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs and former Deputy CFO, she has effectively executed the visions of elected officials. She has experience managing both public employees and private lobbyists to advance or oppose legislative and policy initiatives at federal, state, and local levels. Beatty’s professional relationships with leaders at all levels are expected to benefit Joliet by ensuring the city receives necessary resources and that its needs are addressed, resulting in positive outcomes for residents and businesses.

Beatty has played a key role in crafting and passing the City of Chicago’s annual multi-billion-dollar appropriations ordinance, involving input from various stakeholders, including organized labor, community organizations, and the business community. She places a strong emphasis on cultivating strategic relationships with those who support and oppose her initiatives.

     A native of Moline, Illinois, she has a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s College, a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School and was a law clerk for the Illinois Supreme Court’s Third Judicial District. She values credibility with elected officials and their constituents as essential for advancing any agenda and has a commitment to maintaining honesty and open discussion in her work.

    “I am confident I can work effectively with Mayor Terry D’Arcy and the Joliet City Council to help the city achieve its short-term and long-term goals, positioning Joliet as a leader in the region and the State of Illinois.”  While the start date for her new role has not been determined, D’Arcy hopes she can begin her duties in the near future. The city has come to an agreement with Beaty and an employment contract is forthcoming after a formal vote will take place at the next city council meeting on Tuesday. mmayer@thetimesweekly.com

City Council District 5 Suzanna Ibarra said she is elated by the decision.

“I am very excited about it,” said Ibarra. “It is very special to me, but she is someone who can do the job effectively. She is fully capable of handling anything that comes her way.

“She is going to do a great job for the City of Joliet,” Ibarra continued. “We welcome her with open arms.” Ibarra said Beatty plans to relocate to Joliet from the City of Chicago.