May 30, 2019 12:20p; Updated at 10:05p
(WGTD)---A business executive who got to know Kenosha through his work at Kenall, the local lighting manufacturer, will be the next City Administrator for Kenosha.
54 year-old Randy Hernandez was appointed Thursday by Mayor John Antaramian. The city council is expected to confirm the appointment Monday night.
He replaces Kenosha Utility Manager Ed St. Peter who served in the position on an interim basis after Frank Pacetti retired.
Speaking to WGTD, Hernandez, a native of Fond du Lac, indicated that he’s gotten involved in a number of areas in the city while serving as Kenall Executive Vice-President of Operations. "I've been involved with the community for the last four years," he said.
That involvement included participating in the planning process for the old Chrysler Engine Plant site and a new performing arts center. He has served on the board for the Kenosha Area Business Alliance and currently serves on the Leadership Table for Building Our Future.
Hernandez has held a number of positions in the private sector ever since graduating from Moraine Park Technical College, most notably leading the former Outboard Marine Corporation’s engine manufacturing operation in North Carolina. He also started a watercraft manufacturing operation for the Brunswick Corp.
Serving as Kenosha City Administrator will be his first full-time job in the public sector.
He currently lives in Racine County but says he plans to move soon to Kenosha.
Antaramiam's announcement, via news release issued by his office, came on the same day that he was released from the hospital after having suffered a heart attack on Sunday. It’s not known when he’ll return to work.
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