Skokie Village Manager John Lockerby today announced the appointment of Patrick Deignan as the Village's new Director of Communications and Community Engagement.
In this role, Deignan will oversee the Village’s public information and outreach efforts, coordinating with all departments to direct communications, further community engagement efforts to connect with residents and stakeholders, and meet their strategic goals. Deignan will also serve as the Village’s primary point of contact for members of the media and will support the Village’s Economic Development team in promoting Skokie as an ideal place to live, work and do business.
"Patrick brings more than a decade of public service and communications experience to this essential role," said Lockerby. "His unique skill set and abilities will be a great addition to our Village team."
Deignan joins the Village after more than nine years of progressive communications roles with the City of Evanston, including four years as the City's communications manager. During his time in Evanston, Deignan led the City's nationally recognized COVID-19 digital communications campaign, earning a first-place Savvy Award from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). He also oversaw the redesign of the City’s award-winning weekly eNewsletter, expanding readership by 77 percent in three years.
"I'm honored to join the outstanding team at the Village of Skokie," said Deignan. "I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place as we work to ensure Village information, programs and services are engaging and accessible for all community members.”
Prior to Evanston, Deignan began his career at the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, where he helped educate and empower Illinois utility customers. He is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science.
Deignan will begin his new role with the Village on Monday, April 10. His appointment follows the retirement of longtime Skokie Communications and Marketing Director Ann Tennes, who retired in March after more than 24 years of service.