Frankfort Village Administrator Rob Piscia Retires After 40-Year Career; John Burica Appointed

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | May 4, 2026

Article Summary: Frankfort is experiencing a historic leadership transition as Village Administrator Rob Piscia steps down after four decades of public service, with Assistant Administrator John Burica officially appointed to take his place.

Leadership Transition Key Points:

• Rob Piscia retired effective May 15, 2026, concluding a 40-year career with the Village that began as a part-time police officer in 1986.

• John Burica will officially step into the Village Administrator role effective May 15, 2026, operating under a newly approved employment agreement.

• Burica’s contract includes an annual base salary of $215,000 and is designed to run concurrently with the term of the Village President.

The Village of Frankfort on Monday, May 4, 2026, celebrated the legacy of retiring Village Administrator Rob Piscia while formally ushering in the tenure of his successor, John Burica.

Piscia’s retirement concludes an extraordinary four decades of service to the Village. He began his career in 1986 as a part-time police officer, rising through the ranks to be appointed Chief of Police in 2003. Following his retirement from the Police Department, he transitioned to Village Hall, serving as Assistant Village Administrator in 2010 before taking the helm as Village Administrator in 2017.

During his final meeting on May 4, the Board unanimously approved a proclamation honoring his distinguished career, and Trustees took turns offering emotional tributes.

“Your legacy lives on in so many relationships that you have built here in the community, the trust that you’ve earned, and the lasting improvements that you’ve made to Frankfort,” Trustee Jessica Petrow told Piscia. “We’re going to miss your presence… walking in and not seeing you sitting there as that steadfast Village Administrator.”

Piscia used his final public comment to thank his wife, Leslie, and his children, as well as the string of former mayors and mentors—including Daryl Sanders, Jerry Ducay, Mayor Rossi, and Mayor Holland—who guided his career.

“You make one person happy, you make somebody else mad. But you truly have shown a level of dedication and pride in the community,” Piscia told the Board. “I am truly honored and grateful to have served with you for 40 years.”

To ensure a seamless transition, the Village Board had previously approved a new employment agreement for John Burica during their April 6, 2026, meeting. Burica, who served as Police Commander under Piscia before following him into the administration as Assistant Village Administrator, will officially assume the top role on May 15.

“The agreement defines the duties and responsibilities of the Village Administrator, compensation, and other standard employment terms,” Trustee Michael Leddin said when introducing the contract on April 6.

According to the terms of the approved contract, Burica will receive an annual base salary of $215,000.00. The agreement tasks him with the proper administration of all Village affairs and departments, reporting directly to the Village President and the Board of Trustees. The contract also includes standard municipal executive benefits, including the use of a Village-owned vehicle and health insurance coverage.