SHILOH — The Village Board has hired a Michigan man with more than 30 years of municipal experience as its first village administrator.

John Marquart of Iron Mountain, Mich., will start work in Shiloh on Dec. 10 and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the village.

"John will be a great addition to our team in Shiloh, and we look forward to his help managing the village," Mayor Jim Vernier said in a released statement. "After an extensive search and many, very qualified candidates, the board was lucky to have found a great choice in John. He has the professional experience in city management and economic development that we need to expand our operations and preserve the strong foundation we have built."

According to the employment agreement, Marquart's initial term will be five months ending May 6, 2013. Thereafter, the term of village administrator will be four years to run concurrent with the term of the mayor.

Marquart will earn a salary of $78,000 annually plus benefits with increases in compensation considered on an annual basis, and the village will cover Marquart's moving expenses at a cost of $3,200.

Marquart previously served as city administrator in Oak Forest, Ill., and as city manager in Iron Mountain, Mich. He has also held similar positions in several other cities in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

In addition, he has experience in economic development after several years as the executive director of the Marinette County Association for Business and Industry in Wisconsin.

Marquart holds a master's degree in political science/public administration from Western Illinois University and has been an International City/County Management Association credentialed manager.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to be the first administrator of the village and to help the elected officials implement their vision for the future of Shiloh," Marquart said in a released statement. "Together, with the staff, we will develop a strong municipal organization that will guarantee great customer service for residents and the business community. I am excited about exploring new ways to protect what is great about Shiloh, while ensuring its place as a premier community in the region."

Contact reporter Jamie Forsythe at 239-2562 or jforsythe1@bnd.com.