June 20, 2016 – Steven Drazner, who has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer for the Village since March, has been officially named to the top finance post, Village Manager Cara Pavlicek announced today.
Drazner joined the Village as Deputy CFO in August, assuming the role of Interim CFO in March following the resignation of Craig Lesner who left the Village after nine years to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.
“Steve’s extensive experience and proven track record with the Village made him the ideal choice to fill this important role,” Pavlicek said. “He quickly implemented important process improvements as interim CFO. We were fortunate to have had someone of Steve’s abilities already on staff when the CFO position came open. Appointing him to the role permanently was an easy decision.”
Prior to joining the Village, Drazner served as finance director in Countryside, where he managed all aspects of municipal finance, including overseeing the budget process, payroll and comprehensive annual financial report. He also established the community’s five-year capital improvement plan, supervised information technology functions, and assisted human resources with employee benefits administration.
“Working for the Village of Oak Park as deputy and then Interim CFO has allowed me to expand my experience and hone my skills in a wide range of municipal finance areas,” Drazner said. “I am honored that the Village Manager thought enough of my work in an interim capacity to offer me the CFO role. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Drazner’s accounting experience also includes serving as Assistant Finance Director in both Evanston and Morton Grove. Prior to moving into municipal finance, he was a senior accountant with the CPA firm Robinson, Reinglass & Panos, Ltd., now Steinberg Advisors, in Northbrook.
An Illinois Certified Public Accountant, Drazner earned his accounting degree from Northern Illinois University.
As Oak Park’s Chief Financial Officer, Drazner manages the Finance Department which develops, maintains and administers all programs related to municipal finances and accounting such as audits, purchasing, financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, utility billing and pensions.
More information on the Finance Department is posted at www.oak-park.us/finance.
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Steven Drazner