The Batavia Park District recently ended an extensive search for a new director of finance after the position was vacated in November. The position is crucial to the park district due to its role with budgeting, tax levies and payroll. And, therefore, the task of finding a replacement was not taken lightly.

Last week, I announced that Rita Kruse-Hankes of Aurora had accepted the position.

Kruse-Hankes comes from the village of Addison as the assistant finance director. Prior to that, she held a position as an accounting manager with the village of Downers Grove. Government experience was crucial in the selection of a new director of finance for the park district. With nearly 10 years of experience in government finance and a strong financial background, Kruse-Hankes was an ideal fit.