Manhattan Appoints Rosemaria DiBenedetto as New Village Administrator

Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 18, 2025

Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday appointed Rosemaria DiBenedetto, a public administrator with over 30 years of municipal government experience, as the new Village Administrator. Her employment agreement was unanimously approved, filling a key leadership role that has been vacant since early November.

New Village Administrator Key Points:

• Rosemaria DiBenedetto was appointed Village Administrator following a unanimous vote by the board.

• Her employment agreement is effective December 1, 2025, with a start date of January 2, 2026, and an annual salary of $164,000.

• Mayor Mike Adrieansen highlighted her extensive experience in municipal management, intergovernmental relations, and strategic communications.

• The appointment fills the vacancy left by the resignation of Jeff Wold, which the board accepted on November 4.

MANHATTAN, IL – The Village of Manhattan has hired a new top official, with the Village Board on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, unanimously approving the appointment of Rosemaria DiBenedetto as the new Village Administrator.

Mayor Mike Adrieansen introduced DiBenedetto, highlighting her extensive background in local government. “Rosemaria brings more than 30 years of experience working with municipal governments, public agencies, and community organizations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area,” Adrieansen stated. “She has extensive leadership experience in municipal management, public administration, intergovernmental relations, and strategic communications.”

The board also authorized an employment agreement with DiBenedetto. According to the agreement, her employment will begin on January 2, 2026, and run through May 30, 2029, with an annual base salary of $164,000 effective December 1, 2025.

DiBenedetto holds a master’s degree in public administration and has served as an adviser to mayors, municipal boards, and state agencies on governance, policy development, and community engagement.

The position became vacant after the board accepted the resignation of former Village Administrator Jeff Wold during its November 4 meeting. Marc Nelson, the Community Development Director, had been serving as the Interim Village Administrator.