Joliet Selects New City Manager

Beth Beatty to be first female city manager in Joliet history.

Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy announced Beth Beatty has been selected as the new City Manager of Joliet, making her the first woman to serve in this role in the city’s history. The City Council made this decision during a special council meeting held recently. Beatty brings a strong background in municipal government and law to her new position.

“Ms. Beatty’s qualifications include a law degree and extensive experience in municipal government,” explained Mayor D’Arcy. “She served as a policy analyst, Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Finance, and most recently as the Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs in the City of Chicago. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has worked closely with members of the Chicago City Council and will bring valuable expertise to her role as Joliet’s City Manager,” D’Arcy added.

During her career in Chicago, Beatty worked for Mayors Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emanuel, Lori Lightfoot, and Brandon Johnson. As Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs and former Deputy CFO, she effectively has executed the visions of elected officials. She has experience managing both public employees and private lobbyists to advance or oppose legislative and policy initiatives at federal, state, and local levels. Beatty’s professional relationships, with leaders at all levels, are expected to benefit Joliet by ensuring the city receives necessary resources, and its needs are addressed, resulting in positive outcomes for residents and businesses.

Beatty has played a key role in crafting and passing the City of Chicago’s annual multi-billion-dollar appropriations ordinance, involving input from various stakeholders, including organized labor, community organizations, and the business community. She places a strong emphasis on cultivating strategic relationships with those who support and oppose her initiatives.

Raised in Moline, Beatty holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s College, a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School, and was a law clerk for the Illinois Supreme Court’s Third Judicial District. She values credibility with elected officials and their constituents as essential for advancing any agenda and has a commitment to maintaining honesty and open discussion in her work.

“I am confident I can work effectively with Mayor Terry D’Arcy and the Joliet City Council to help the city achieve its short-term and long-term goals, positioning Joliet as a leader in the region and the State of Illinois.” While the start date for her new role has not been determined, D’Arcy hopes she can begin her duties in the near future.