Jack Benton had no presentation to make at the latest meeting of the Countryside City Council, but that will change, especially when tax monies start rolling in.
Benton is the city’s new treasurer, replacing former treasurer Courtney Bolt, who is now an alderwoman. Benton will serve out the remainder of Bolt’s four-year term, which expires next April.
Benton, who served on the plan commission’s zoning board of appeals for nearly three years, is well suited for the job, said Mayor Sean McDermott.
“He’s done a really nice job,” McDermott said. “He reached out to me and said he was interested in serving as treasurer. He and his wife have a daughter at Ideal School. They made a commitment to raise their family in the city of Countryside and he wants to give back.”
Benton, who turns 40 on Oct. 7, said of Bolt: “I took some notes from her and want to fill her shoes. She’s done a great job.”
Bolt was appointed to the city council as an alderwoman in August to serve out the remaining term of former Ald. Tom Mikolyzk, who stepped down in July for health reasons. Bolt is confident Benton “will do a great job” as city treasurer.
Now a general manager for a medical company, Benton had been the operations manager there for years.
“Not just the finances running smoothly, but the entire operation itself. I thought that would be a good opportunity to use the skills I’ve gained over the past 14 years or so,” Benton said.
“Part of that is making sure we’re fiscally responsible, but also in charge of things we can’t control,” he said, adding he’ll bring that philosophy to his new role with the city.
“It’s going to be about learning, taking it all in from everybody who’s here,”]he added.
He works for MedSpeed, based in Elmhurst. The medical courier logistics company moves medical supplies “from site to site, A to B,” he said, and operates in 36 states.
“It’s a rapidly growing business. I’ve been there seven years today,” he said on Sept. 23 before the city council meeting.
He has lived in Countryside since 2021 and grew up in Palos Hills. He and his wife, Laura, have a daughter, Ellie, 6, who attends Ideal School.
His spot on the zoning board of appeals is being filled by Ted Vernon, 41, who was sworn in at the meeting. Vernon has lived in Countryside with his family for about a year and a half.
“I have two young daughters and I want to help the city grow. I want to build a safe community for them,” Vernon said.
He has worked in advertising for 15 years.