Jakob Knox was not necessarily looking to leave his position in Manteno, but when he saw a job posting for a newly created position in Bourbonnais, he decided to take a shot.

Good thing he did. He is now the communications manager for the village of Bourbonnais, a position he started on March 23.

He will earn a salary of $80,000. Much of his focus will be on the happenings associated with The Grove.

A 2017 graduate of Herscher High School and a resident of Bourbonnais Township, Knox said he came upon the job posting in early February and on Feb. 11 submitted his resume.

“I decided to put my hat in the ring,” he explained regarding the position.

Knox resigned from the president and CEO position with the Manteno Chamber of Commerce in late February. He also served as marketing and community relations director for the village of Manteno.

Manteno also has moved forward to fill the vacancy left by Knox.

On March 26, Manteno hired Ashley Peterson, a 19-year village resident, to take the dual role. She will earn a salary of $65,000, noted village administrator Chris LaRocque.

LaRocque noted Peterson was one of 20 applicants for the Manteno position. The list was narrowed to six, and Peterson was offered and accepted the job on March 26.

Her first day on the job will be Monday, April 6. She is the wife of Eric Peterson, who is the director of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Kankakee County.

LaRocque said Peterson had been very active with the Chamber for the past couple of years.

He said Knox leaves big shoes to fill. “Jakob was a fantastic employee. We certainly enjoyed his time here.”

Knox had been with Manteno for three years.

With Bourbonnais, he will be working in a department of four, which is under the direction of Lindy Casey, who is Bourbonnais’ marketing and community engagement director.

Born and raised in Limestone, Knox admitted to being surprised when he was selected for the position.

“It was never my intention to leave Manteno. I guess I wanted to challenge myself a little more,” he said. “I’ve hit the ground running here.”

Knox is busy developing the schedule and activities for The Grove, which is basically the new $18 million gathering location for Bourbonnais activities.

Working largely as a solo organizer within Manteno, Knox is pleased to be part of a team within Bourbonnais’ marketing and community engagement unit.

“I guess I was craving a team dynamic,” he said.

Knox’s last day with Manteno was March 20.