Tom Christensen, who has lead the Racine County Communications Center for the past four years, is expected to become the next village administrator for the village of Caledonia, said Bob Bradley, the village president.
The village chose Christensen because he’s a resident of Caledonia, has a strong managerial background and has “been successful at every position he’s held,” Bradley said.
If the village board approves Christensen’s appointment at the village board meeting Monday, March 16, he’ll replace Mark Janiuk. In September, Janiuk announced his intention to retire. Christensen, who was offered the job at $92,000, is expected to start April 20.
Prior to being with Racine County, Christensen was with the City of Racine Police Department for 33 years. He also has a bachelor’s degrees in public administration and criminal justice from Carthage College and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in public administration.
For Christensen, taking the job lets him come back to help the community he has lived in for 24 years, he said.
“I have experience with larger municipalities and larger budgets,” Christensen said. “I also have experience with cost containments. But I’m also excited about the possibilities Caledonia has with potential development.”
Christensen was chosen from a group of 32 people, but only six were finalists for the job, Bradley said.
“He’s got a strong leadership background,” Bradley said. “He knows everybody and we have a lot going on here in the villages, especially with our relationship with Mount Pleasant with sewer and water.
“This allows him to hit the ground round running,” Bradley said. “He knows the players.”
Janiuk, who has had the job for 2 1/2 years, is expected to retire on April 30.