Lakesider News

Jim Switzer retiring, Lisa Hogue steps up as new Development Administrator

By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager

Jim Switzer has been helping Lakeside homeowners with their renovation plans as the Director of the Historic Preservation & Design Review Board (HP&DRB) and Municipal Projects since April 1, 2019. He says now it’s time to “pass the torch.”

Switzer’s final day working for Lakeside is Dec. 31, 2024. When the donut drops at midnight at the Pavilion, he won’t just be celebrating the new year because that’s when his retirement begins. He’s already looking forward to spending more time with his family.

“I have grandkids, and my granddaughter is on a soccer team that plays on Saturday, and HP&DRB plays on Saturday,” Switzer said. “I’ve been giving up my Saturdays for too long.”

Lakeside didn’t have to look very far to find Switzer’s replacement, actually just a few feet down the hall from his office in the Administration building. Lisa Hogue, Customer Service Representative and HP&DRB Secretary, will move into the role of Lakeside Development Administrator.

“Lisa is a sponge of information,” Switzer said. “She has absolutely followed everything I’ve done to the point where she can do most of what I do now. I’ll still be living in Lakeside, so I’ll be coming back when she needs help.”

Hogue says she has “big shoes to fill,” but she has learned so much from Switzer and is looking forward to the challenge.

“Jim is a terrific mentor,” Hogue said. “His historic knowledge of Lakeside is very thorough. For him, it’s right off the top of his head. He always spends time with me to make sure that I understand what we’re working on.”

Some of Hogue’s responsibilities include presentations to the HP&DRB and making sure Lakesiders know the rules when they submit an application to renovate their homes. She will work with the homeowners and support their needs.

She is also the contact person for those wanting to join the HP&DRB Board. Switzer made the approval process much quicker, going from 67 days down to 32, and Hogue wants that to continue.

“Jim really helps guiding homeowners toward things that will go smoothly through the Board,” Hogue said. “I want to streamline some more processes just to make it easier for the homeowners to go through the process. The best thing that I can do is to try to keep doing that.”

Hogue is ready for her new opportunity, but there are some things she’ll miss, like working at the front desk and greeting Lakesiders. She’ll still be helping and giving advice but in a different way.

“I’ll miss seeing the homeowners and all the guests who come in the door,” Hogue said. “You get to talk to a lot of really great people, and you have a soft spot for them. I’ll miss Jim, but I want him to have a break, so I’m happy for him.”

Switzer will still be seen around Lakeside, just not as an employee. His last projects were the Westside revetment and the new Perry Park gatehouse and restrooms. Project Manager Fred Seling has taken over the rest of the projects. Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer Meg Johnson will oversee the internet upgrade.

Switzer is excited for more free time and will do more than just attend soccer games on Saturdays. He’ll assist Hogue when needed, work more with the Lakeside Heritage Society and spend time fishing.

“I have a number of buddies here in Lakeside who ask me three times a week, ‘Hey, can you go fishing?’ Now I’ll be able to say, ‘Yes,’” Switzer said. “I’m a member of the Rockwell Springs Trout Club, where I haven’t fished in a long time. I’m the Heritage Society’s IT guy, so to speak, for their daily operations. When something breaks, I’ll fix it for them.”

Lakeside would like to thank Switzer for all his dedication and service to the community.

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