Forest View officials filled four key administrative positions at their May 12 village board meeting, including the permanent police chief role and a new village administrator.
Jim Ritz was sworn in as police chief by Village Clerk Laura McGuffey. Ritz has served as interim chief since November.
Erik Kulaga was promoted from lieutenant to deputy police chief and also sworn in by McGuffey.
Mayor David Liska requested board approval for Mark Stewart as fire chief, replacing Mark Jones, who died unexpectedly in April. The board approved the appointment.
The board also approved Zachary Creer as village administrator, effective immediately, following the departure of Melissa Wiak.
Creer brings 16 years of municipal management experience, including roles with the villages of Clarendon Hills and La Grange and the cities of Geneva and Rolling Meadows. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and most recently served as village manager in Clarendon Hills.
In that role, Creer led economic development efforts in the downtown area, overseeing revitalization of public infrastructure around the Metra station and coordinating private-public partnerships to fill and redevelop vacant properties. The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce recognized the work by naming Creer to its “Regional 30 Under 40” list in 2024 for contributions to the region.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to work for the Village of Forest View and its residents,” Creer said. “Just in my first few days, I have found a dedicated, passionate group of residents, trustees and staff. I look to continue a strong tradition of professional management in the community.”