Acardo joins Kishwaukee College as HR Director

John Acardo has joined Kishwaukee College has the new Director of Human Resources. He assumes his new position on August 5.

Acardo is currently serving as the DeKalb County Clerk, a position he has held since November 2010. He stated, “I have accomplished the goals I had promised to the residents of DeKalb County as their County Clerk. The position at Kishwaukee College allows me to return to my passion: human resources. I am excited to join the Kishwaukee family.”

Acardo is originally from Rockford and currently lives in DeKalb with his wife, Megan, and 18-month old son, Charlie. He holds a B.S. in Political Science – Public Policy from Northern Illinois University and an M.B.A. from the Keller School of Management at DeVry University. He is also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and is a Notary Public. He has previously held positions as the Human Resources Manager for Hanover Township, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and has served as the District Director for Representative Bob Pritchard.

As the DeKalb County Clerk, Acardo has been the supervisor of local elections and maintains and processes all documents and records involving residents of DeKalb County. Under his leadership, the County Clerk’s office utilized technology in creative ways and implemented staff development opportunities to create a more efficient and cost-effective government office. After three years of successfully implementing new procedures, leaving the position was a difficult decision.

“Leaving the County Clerk office was a really difficult decision for me. The position at Kishwaukee College presented a unique opportunity for me to return to Human Resources and still continue to serve the people in our communities,” he explained. “I have enjoyed being the County Clerk and am proud to have achieved everything I had wanted to accomplish in that role, but my first passion is and has always been Human Resources. I look forward to bringing my HR knowledge and expertise to Kishwaukee College.”

Acardo’s particular strengths in Human Resources are in the areas of strategic planning, process improvements and organizational development. As Kishwaukee College continues to implement its long-term goals for future development and enrollment, having a solid Human Resources department is essential and plays a key role in the College’s own strategic plan. Acardo said, “Our state and public institutions are facing challenging times, but I see that as raw opportunity. I think Kishwaukee College has a fantastic impact on our local communities and will continue to play a key role in our future. Kishwaukee College has a great story to tell and I am excited to take the next natural step in my public service career by joining the College and helping to tell that story.”