Business Community Thanks Elmhurst Leaders for Their Combined 100 Years of Service

It’s not often a community has to face an all-encompassing change in leadership like Elmhurst is facing this summer.

Search companies and staff members still are hard at work to find the best candidates to replace City Manager Tom Borchert  (40 years serving Elmhurst, 27 as city manager) and Elmhurst Library Director Marilyn Boria  (25 years).

Some critical positions already have been filled. will take over for Elmhurst School District 205 Superintendent Lynn Krizic (five years with District 205); has replaced retired Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare President and CEO Leo Fronza (30 years in the hospital system, 20 as CEO); and retiring Elmhurst Park District Executive Director Rich Grodsky (16 years) will leave his position in the experienced hands of Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation in 2012.

“Together, we now have the opportunity to carry on the fine tradition and excellent community that has been built by those who came before us,” Daniels said at a luncheon last week honoring Borchert, Boria, Fronza and Krizic.

That is a tall order of responsibility, he said, considering the state of the world today. He pointed to economic trauma and a shaky recovery, global unrest and natural disasters.

“And we have to protect our security in ways we never considered a decade ago,” said Daniels, who was in New York City during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

In his address, titled Elmhurst’ Future and New Beginnings, Daniels, an avid sailor, likened the nature of business to navigating high seas in the Atlantic.

“Nothing is scarier than doing 9 knots in a dense fog in Nantucket Sound,” he said. “I couldn’t see the bow of the boat in the fog. I trusted my senses, the numerous instruments that were constantly feeding me information, but most of all I listened very carefully and trusted my crew. My life and the life of the crew depended most of all (on) communication, partnership and the skills of all of us working together. It’s no different in business.”

For all the challenges and adversity the city is facing, he said he sees opportunity.

“There are businesses that have planned well, a city that’s invested in its future and many smart people that aren’t afraid to boldly re-think their products, services and business model,” he said. “Many of us have never been here before. It’s scary and challenging but it can also be fun and rewarding. All about our attitude and determination.”

He spoke about the new Elmhurst hospital opening June 25, as well. An open house will be held June 19.

"The building makes a very visible statement about our hospital and our community," he said. "That’s just the exterior. The interior is just as impressive: robotics in the laboratory and in the operating room, the most sophisticated imaging equipment, advanced information technology, on-stage and off-stage design efficiencies that deliver high quality and seamless care. We are very proud of our new hospital and we know you will be too."

The luncheon was sponsored by Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  Chamber President John Quigley recognized each of the honorees individually for their contributions to Elmhurst.

He noted student test scores improved under Krizic’s leadership; Elmhurst Public Library grew from “an impractically laid-out historical residence” to a state-of-the-art, 80,000-square-foot facility under Boria’s watch; a half-billion dollar hospital facility was completed under Fronza; and strong, intergovernmental partnerships were forged by Borchert.

“You can see how impactful those four people have been on our community over years and years of service both to their institutions and to the community at large,” Quigley said.

While it is a challenge to replace them, in the past, the city "has been lucky enough to find great leaders to follow the great leaders we're losing," Quigley said.