Southwest Suburban Sewer District commissioners have appointed Susan Genzale to fill the seat left vacant with the death of her husband, Tony Genzale.
A total of nine applications were received for the opening, and commissioners Bill Tracy and Scott Hilsen selected six applicants to interview. The commissioners, along with General Manager Ron Hall, conducted interviews and reached the unanimous decision to offer the seat to Susan Genzale.
"All of the applicants were excellent, and each one brought a unique combination of skills and knowledge to the table" said General Manager Ron Hall. "Suzy stood out because of her strong desire to continue the seat's legacy of being an advocate for the ratepayers, along with the great amount of preparation she did upon submitting her application."
According to Commissioner Scott Hilsen, "Suzy asked for tours of our facilities, and read through all of the minutes posted on our site. She really came to the interview with a lot of knowledge about the district and its ongoing business and issues."
Commissioner Bill Tracy said, "Suzy's answers to all of our questions were outstanding, but the questions that she asked us were even more impressive. I think she will be a great addition to the board." Mrs. Genzale, who has worked as a nurse and as a partner in charge of the financial end of the family's produce business, will be sworn in at the board meeting on March 1.
Genzale stated, "I consider it a real honor to represent the ratepayers, and I look forward to looking out for their interests. I have a high regard for the ratepayers, the other two commissioners, and the staff at the district, and I look forward to working with all of them."