John C. Melaniphy named Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality
Published on June 04, 2025
Village Manager Kevin J. Jackson has announced that John C. Melaniphy has been named Assistant Village Manager to lead the Village of Oak Park’s newly established Office of Economic Vitality. In this executive leadership role, Melaniphy will lead the Village’s strategic efforts to support and enhance Oak Park’s economic vitality, working closely with business owners, developers, residents and community stakeholders. His first day with the Village of Oak Park will be June 16.
A proven industry leader, Melaniphy brings nearly four decades of experience in economic development, site selection, real estate market analysis and public-private partnerships. Most recently serving as the Director of Economic Development for the Village of Niles, he led the implementation of a comprehensive economic strategy that helped increase retail sales by more than $200 million and secured over $600 million in new development projects, including Golf Mill Shopping Center, Noah Properties and the Nea Maya Development.
"John Melaniphy brings to Oak Park an exceptional depth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to this vital new position on our team,” said Jackson. “His visionary leadership and extensive experience throughout the region will be instrumental as we strengthen our commitment to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable local economy."
“I am eager to embrace the newly created role as the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality in the Village of Oak Park,” said Melaniphy. “I look forward to working closely with Village Manager Kevin Jackson to implement the Village’s strategic vision for sustaining and advancing the economic vitality of Oak Park. I’m excited to attract investment, enhance the Village sales and property tax base, grow the roster of businesses, strengthen the bonds with the business community and work collaboratively with all the Village’s stakeholders.”
As Assistant Village Manager for Economic Vitality, Melaniphy will oversee the Office of Economic Vitality, spearheading initiatives to retain and attract businesses, support entrepreneurs, guide major real estate development and advance the Village’s Economic Vitality Strategic Plan. He will also coordinate efforts across departments and with community partners to enhance economic opportunity, strengthen commercial corridors and ensure equitable growth for all Oak Parkers.
During his career, Melaniphy has led major development initiatives including the redevelopment of the Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles, the transformation of Wheeling’s Town Center, and high-impact consulting projects for the municipalities he has served. In addition to his work in Niles, where he worked since 2020, Melaniphy was also Director of Economic Development for the Village of Wheeling from 2012-20. Previously, he was the Business and Development Coordinator for the Village of Arlington Heights (2008-12).
Beyond his municipal roles, Melaniphy also served as Vice President of Market Feasibility, Strategy and Development for Mid-America Development Partners, LLC, and in several capacities for Melaniphy & Associates, Inc., a company founded by his father, John, who is a world-renowned expert and author.
Melaniphy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate and Human Resource Management from DePaul University. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, Urban Land Institute, and Lambda Alpha International Economics Fraternity.
About Oak Park - The Village of Oak Park, located just nine miles west of downtown Chicago, offers a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle in a thriving, multi-cultural community. Well-known for progressive values, tree-lined streets and bustling business districts, Oak Park serves as an ideal place to live, work and play. As a longstanding community of choice, the Village benefits from convenient access to local and regional transit, high-quality public schools, and arts and cultural attractions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio and his acclaimed Unity Temple, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.