$150,000 Starting Pay For Joliet's Newly Created Director Of Cultural Affairs And Special Events

JOLIET, IL ? After enacting a property tax increase and a gasoline tax increase upon the citizens of Joliet this year, Joliet city manager Beth Beatty has given former city of Chicago employee Ann Sylvester a $150,000 starting salary as Joliet City Hall's new director of cultural affairs and special events.

Also read: Grocery Tax Must Remain In Joliet: City Officials

Joliet Patch recently obtained the salary for the newly hired administrative position created within Beatty's administration, as well as Sylvester's resume, cover letter and other hiring material, through a Freedom of Information Act request to the city of Joliet.

According to her resume, Sylvester graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange. She obtained her bachelor's in business, majoring in marketing at Miami University in Ohio in 1998 and her master's from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism in integrated marketing communications in 2004.

"I am confident in my ability to elevate Joliet?s cultural landscape and drive vibrant, inclusive community programming," Sylvester wrote to Joliet's hiring committee. "Throughout my career, I have led the planning and execution of over 150 major events annually, including world-class gatherings such as Taste of Chicago and the Chicago Air & Water Show, serving over 3 million attendees. I have a proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, multi-million-dollar budgets, and complex stakeholder relationships."

Sylvester Learns She May Get 2 Annual Pay Raises With Joliet

As for her 25-year employment at the city of Chicago, Sylvester's resume listed the following dates and positions within the department of cultural affairs and special events:

• 2000-2008 special events coordinator I and II
• 2008-2017: projects administrator
• 2017-2022 deputy commissioner of facilities
• 2022-present: deputy commissioner of operations

Upon learning of her hiring with Joliet in July, one of Sylvester's first questions to city of Joliet legal staff concerned how many pay raises she could anticipate in the future.

"I am so excited to be part of the team!" Sylvester wrote to assistant corporation counsel Gina LoGalbo on July 14. "In addition to the questions we discussed would you be able to provide what the pay increase is annually? For example cost of living (and %)? Also when that occurs?"

New Director Eligible For Annual COLA And Merit Pay Raises

According to documents furnished to Joliet Patch, the city sent Sylvester the following response letter: "To restate from the initial offer letter, sick time accrues monthly at 12 hours; comp/flex time accrue as worked; and vacation will accrue at 15.33 hours monthly until your 20th anniversary with the City of Joliet. Subject to budget availability, the Director of Cultural Affairs & Special Events position is eligible for COLA and Merit increases annually. There is also a yearly vehicle allowance of $2,586.62. Finally, you will receive an initial bank of fifteen days of vacation time, and ten days of sick leave upon your start date with the City of Joliet."

According to Sylvester's cover letter, she served as co-chair for both the Community Engagement Committee for NASCAR?s inaugural Chicago Street Race and the 2024 Democratic National Convention Host Committee.

"Unique Opportunity To Launch Joliet As A Regional And National Destination"

Sylvester's most recent job title with Chicago was the deputy commissioner of operations & permits in the Windy City's department of cultural affairs and special events.

In her cover letter to Joliet, Sylvester explained, "my background managing iconic cultural assets like Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center has equipped me with the vision and operational expertise to bring Joliet?s cultural mission to life.

"I?ve led $9M in contract management for high-profile city venues, developed and executed a $2.5M concessions overhaul in Millennium Park, and successfully facilitated its post COVID-19 reopening in coordination with City and State officials."

Sylvester also cited her experience in public relations and media engagement for Chicago as one of her employment strengths.

"I?ve led press strategies, coordinated messaging with communications teams, and served as a media spokesperson, including participating in numerous live TV and radio interviews to promote events, highlight safety efforts, and elevate community involvement," Sylvester told Joliet in her job application. "My experience managing media relations under pressure has helped shape public perception, increase turnout, and uphold the City?s reputation for hosting world-class events."

As for the future of Joliet, Sylvester termed this "an exciting time for the City of Joliet.

"With the upcoming Centennial of Route 66, there is a unique opportunity to launch Joliet as a regional and national destination while simultaneously creating more opportunities for residents to enjoy and take pride in their hometown," she explained. "The major renovation of the Downtown City Square into a vibrant social corridor designed for regular community events reflects Joliet?s commitment to honoring its rich cultural history while investing in a dynamic, inclusive future. I am inspired by the City?s momentum and would welcome the opportunity to contribute my energy, experience, and passion to support Joliet?s continued growth and cultural vitality."