City of Aurora Names New Personnel

Published on September 24, 2025

City of Aurora Names New Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Adds Director of Fiscal Integrity and Government Operations, and Assistant Corporation Counsel III

Mayor John Laesch has added three key members to the City of Aurora’s staff, naming current Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Michele Clark, as the City’s new Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Brian Caputo, former City of Aurora Chief Financial Officer, as the City’s Director of Fiscal Integrity and Government Operations, and Michele Niermann, former Chief of the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Civil Division, as the City’s new Assistant Corporation Counsel III. 

Michele Clark, New Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

Clark, who has served as the City’s Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for the past four years, boasts an impressive level of experience in human resources that helped her rise above a group of highly qualified candidates for the position. Clark’s previous experience includes a 20-year stint at John Deere, serving as the Manager of Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance, the Manager of HR Global Compliance, and the Manager of Global Diversity and Inclusion. Clark also led John Deere’s Human Resources Department in Sub-Saharan Africa, spearheading efforts to implement corporate human resources processes and a coordinated human resources strategy.

“This role is about more than processes—it’s about people,” Clark said. “My commitment is to cultivate a workplace where staff feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow—because when our people thrive, our City thrives. I believe each of us has the power to ‘be the one thing that changes everything.’” 

“I was most impressed with Michele Clark’s vision for the City’s HR Department, along with her remarkable background and proven leadership skills,” Mayor Laesch said. “I look forward to working with her to build a thriving, mission-driven workforce that will move Aurora forward.” 

Clark will take on the role following the retirement of former Chief Human Resources Officer, Alisia Lewis. Elizabeth Coronado, the current Director of Human Resources, who has also been serving as the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, will remain in the role until September 30 to ensure a smooth transition. Coronado has been with the City of Aurora for 12 years and will continue to serve as the City’s Director of Human Resources, helping to lead the Department under Clark. 

“Elizabeth has been invaluable during the transition period for my new administration,” Mayor Laesch said. “I have come to trust her creative, intelligent approach and solid advice.”  

As the incoming Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Clark will oversee a Department of nearly 20 employees that assist in a number of duties, including the negotiation of labor contracts, administering workers’ compensation claims, employee recruitment and retention, analysis of employee benefits, and more.   For all HR Needs, please contact Liz Coronado up until September 30, 2025. Michele Clark will be the contact for HR needs after October 1st.

Brian Caputo, Director of Fiscal Integrity and Government Operations

Caputo, who served as the City of Aurora’s Chief Financial Officer and City Treasurer from 1998 through 2017, returns to the City in this newly created role. His impressive level of experience also includes a five-year tenure as the President of the College of DuPage, a stint as the Vice President of Administration and Treasurer at the College, plus time with the Village of Mount Prospect as its Finance Director. Caputo holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Science in Accountancy from DePaul University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. He earned a Ph.D. degree from Northern Illinois University with fields of study in public administration, public policy, and government finance, and retired from the United States Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to serve Aurora and its new municipal administration,” Caputo said. “Given the scope of my responsibilities, I believe that Mayor Laesch has given me the opportunity to make a broad, positive impact.” 

“Brian Caputo’s past experience as a senior leader and former CFO for the City of Aurora has prepared him to hit the ground running,” Mayor Laesch said. “He is already making an impactful difference in real time as the City navigates the budget challenges ahead.” 

In this new role, Caputo will lead efforts to ensure financial transparency, accountability, and operational risk mitigation across the Departments of Development Services, Public Works, Public Facilities, Information Technology, and Finance, as well as the sub-Department of Sustainability and Economic Development. Caputo will also serve as the Mayor’s principal advisor on Departmental fiscal integrity and operational risks and efficiencies. He will report directly to the Mayor’s Chief of Staff. 

Michele Niermann, Assistant Corporation Counsel III 
Niermann is an accomplished employment law attorney who has spent significant time in both the public and private sector. Niermann joins the City from Klein, Thorpe, and Jenkins, Ltd., where she served as a Partner, providing legal advice to municipalities in all aspects of government operations, including corporate governance, home rule authority, the Open Meetings Act, and more. She also specialized in advising clients on employment laws, labor contracts, discipline, and grievances. Previously, Niermann compiled a distinguished 27-year career at the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, serving as the Civil Division Chief, Civil Division Deputy Chief, and Assistant State’s Attorney. She was named the Prosecutor of the Year in 2011, and worked to advise the County and its elected officials on litigation, risk management, and employment/labor laws. 

It’s an honor to serve the City of Aurora as an Assistant Corporation Counsel,” Niermann said. “I am excited to begin my new role and work with Mayor Laesch, the City Council, the Law Department, and management staff.” 

“Prior to hiring Michele Niermann, the City of Aurora had already spent far outside of its budgeted legal expenses for 2025,” Mayor Laesch said. “This new position will eliminate the City’s dependency on outside counsel to handle HR-related legal issues. Niermann brings the right level of senior leadership to resolve issues quickly for our HR Department and play a key role in the negotiation of union contracts.” 

In Niermann’s new role, she will provide day-to-day legal advice and counsel to City staff concerning employment and labor laws, and draft and negotiate agreements on behalf of the City.