The Elmhurst City Council has selected Christina Burns to serve as the City of Elmhurst’s next city manager, pending the Council’s formal approval of her appointment on Monday, Oct. 5. Burns, currently the county administrator for Kendall County, will begin serving Elmhurst on Nov. 30, 2026.
Burns brings nearly two decades of local government experience, including executive leadership at both the municipal and county levels. Her background includes strategic planning, budgeting, economic development, capital planning, human resources, organizational development, communications and regional collaboration.
“The City Council engaged in an extensive recruitment process to identify Elmhurst’s next city manager following the retirement of our longtime city manager, Jim Grabowski,” Mayor Scott Levin said. “More than 90 applications were received, which speaks to the strength of our community and the opportunity to lead this organization. After interviewing the top eight candidates, the Council selected Christina Burns. She brings a strong combination of municipal and county executive experience, collaborative leadership and regional perspective. We have tremendous confidence in the leadership team already serving Elmhurst, and we believe Christina’s experience and outside perspective will complement that strength. I am confident she will serve Elmhurst well and help lead the city successfully for years to come.”
Burns has served as Kendall County administrator since 2023, where she leads countywide initiatives involving strategic planning, financial management, organizational leadership and regional collaboration. Kendall County, located about 40 miles southwest of Chicago, is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and has an estimated population of approximately 145,000. Her work has included securing a $15 million Illinois Office of Broadband grant to expand high-speed broadband service, leading more than $50 million in capital planning initiatives, and advancing intergovernmental partnerships and shared-service efforts.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Elmhurst’s next city manager,” Burns said. “Elmhurst is a remarkable community, with a strong sense of place, engaged residents and a tradition of civic leadership. I look forward to getting to know the community firsthand — listening to residents, meeting with local businesses and organizations, and working alongside Mayor Levin, the City Council and an exceptional team of professionals. I am excited to be part of Elmhurst and committed to serving the community with the same high standards and sense of purpose that make this such a special place to call home.”
Before joining Kendall County, Burns spent 10 years with the Village of Oswego, serving as deputy village administrator from 2021 to 2023 and assistant village administrator/human resources director from 2013 to 2021. As a member of Oswego’s executive leadership team, she helped advance major community initiatives, including the Lake Michigan water connection, planning and construction of a $30 million police station, expansion of a major municipal arterial road, and downtown redevelopment efforts.
Earlier in her local government career, Burns served as assistant to the village manager and as a management analyst for the Village of Clarendon Hills and held administrative and planning roles with the Village of Glen Ellyn.
Burns holds a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Truman State University. She is professionally affiliated with organizations including the International City/County Management Association, Illinois City/County Management Association and Metro Managers.
As city manager, Burns will serve as Elmhurst’s chief administrative officer, overseeing the City’s day-to-day operations and working with the Mayor and City Council to carry out City policies and priorities.
Burns succeeds James Grabowski, who retired this summer after more than 15 years as Elmhurst city manager and more than three decades in local government. Following Grabowski’s retirement, the City Council appointed Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson to serve as Acting City Manager, providing leadership and continuity during the search process. Johnson will return to his role as Assistant City Manager when Burns begins and will play a key role in her onboarding and transition.
The City Council will consider a resolution confirming Burns’ appointment at its Oct. 5 meeting. A separate resolution approving her employment agreement is scheduled for consideration at the Oct. 19 City Council meeting.
Additional information about Burns and the leadership transition will be shared at Elmhurst.org as details are finalized in the weeks leading up to her start date.
