Geneva police chief, city administrator to retire

GENEVA – City officials announced the retirements of both Geneva City Administrator Mary McKittrick and Police Chief Steve Mexin on Friday.

City officials announced the moves in separate news releases. McKittrick will retire from the city after 17 years, effective June 10, and Mexin will retire, effective May 6, after more than 26 years with the city, according to the releases. Mexin and McKittrick served eight years in their current leadership roles.

Both decided to retire to spend more time with their families, according to the releases. Both are expected to publicly announce their retirements at the next City Council meeting, 7 p.m. Monday at Geneva City Hall, 22 S. First St., Geneva.

Mayor Kevin Burns is expected to appoint Stephanie Dawkins to replace McKittrick as city administrator, and Cmdr. Eric Passarelli to replace Mexin as police chief, according to the release. Dawkins is currently assistant city administrator/director of administrative services.

Aldermen will consider Burns' appointments.

Burns praised both McKittrick and Mexin for their long service to the city.

"Mary has helped shepherd Geneva to a new level of sophistication and established practices and policies in a culture that helped us withstand an unpredictable economic environment," Burns said. "And we are better off for having had her with us for 17 years."

McKittrick was hired as the city's first assistant city administrator to former City Administrator Phil Page. She served in that capacity for nine years, Burns said.

"We are privileged to have Stephanie succeed Mary in this role," Burns said. "She is perfectly suited to assume this leadership role and continue to guide Geneva in the years to come."

Burns said Mexin's contributions enhanced Geneva's reputation.

"We could not be more proud of the contributions he brought to the police department and the spirit in which he carried out his duties," Burns said. "He is the quintessential public servant."

Burns said Passarelli's "experience and his passion for community service makes him the ideal next chief of police for our community."

Mexin started in the department in 1989 as a patrol officer. He was appointed chief in 2008, according to the release.