Oak Park names Marckess as new finance director 

Oak Park has found its next financial leader. 

Village Manager Kevin J. Jackson named Carrie Marckess as Oak Park’s finance director in a press release Thursday morning. Marckess begins in the role on Monday, March 3, according to the release. 

“We undertook an extensive search to fill this important vacancy within our organization and Carrie really stood out during the process,” Jackson said. “Her municipal government experience and strong commitment to fiscal stewardship and responsibility will be invaluable for our Oak Park community. I am elated to welcome her to our team and I am confident that with her leadership and expertise, the finance department will continue to uphold the highest standards of financial management, financial transparency and accountability as we remain committed to sustainable growth.” 

As finance director, Marckess will be responsible for managing the village’s finances, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting, record keeping and reporting, decision support and analysis and assessment and management of financial risks and emerging trends, according to the release. 

“I am honored to be joining the Village of Oak Park as the new finance director,” said Marckess. “The opportunity to contribute to such a vibrant and diverse community brings me so much joy. I am eager to begin collaborating with the dedicated team serving the village, ensuring financial stability and transparency while also fostering growth and innovation. I look forward to building strong relationships with the community as we work together to achieve our shared goals for the village’s future.”  

Donna Gayden is remaining as interim chief financial officer during the transition, village officials said. 

 Marckess arrives in Oak Park after serving as assistant finance director for the Village of Bloomingdale. In that role, she assisted in planning, administering and directing day-to-day operations of the village’s finance department. She oversaw preparation of the annual budget and capital improvement plan and assisted with the treasury and cash management function of the village’s investment portfolio.  

For the past year, Marckess has also served on the Board of Trustees and as Secretary for the Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund, according to the release.  

 Prior to working in Bloomingdale, Marckess was an accountant with the city of Rolling Meadows.  

Marckess, a native of west suburban Addison, is a Certified Public Finance Officer and obtained a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Minnesota in 2022. Prior to that, she also earned an associate in arts with honors from the College of DuPage, according to the release