Mark Henderson reflects on his new role as the Community Development Director for the Village of Rockton
“One of the favorite parts of my previous job was being involved in the community, and so I feel that this position allows me to be involved in a different, yet still very meaningful way.”
Mark Henderson started in his new position as the Community Development Director for the Village of Rockton on Dec.1, 2025. Henderson was one of a few who were interviewed by the Village for this position.
Henderson is a familiar face in the Stateline. He was previously a meteorologist for one of the local television stations, having served there for just under 22 years. In total, he was in the broadcast news field for just shy of 25 years. He continues his weather reports online on Mark Henderson's Weather Hub.
Village President John Peterson said, “We felt that Mark was the best candidate because his vision for Rockton and ours are very similar.”
Henderson's role is a wide-ranging position with two primary focuses. The first is pursuing opportunities that enhance the socio-economic viability of the community, which, in turn, provides benefits to the Village as a whole.
Secondly, his position covers the enforcement and supervision of Village ordinances, particularly pertaining to zoning and planning.
Henderson will work closely with the Village’s Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals to make recommendations based on the Village’s Code of Ordinances, and will collaborate with the Board of Trustees as well.
Henderson says that his duties can change from one day to the next.
“These tasks can range from responding to inquiries from business owners or potential business owners to reviewing a permit application for a resident to build a deck on their property. Issuing permits for businesses and residents after performing the necessary reviews is also part of the duties.”
Henderson conducts monthly meetings of the Village’s Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals, and is a regular attendee of Administrative, Public Works, and Budget and Finance Committee Meetings, as well as the bi-weekly meeting of the Village Board of Trustees.
Additionally, Henderson is taking on a role on the boards of Visit Beloit and GoRockford Board of Directors representing the Village of Rockton, per appointment and approval by the Rockton Village Board.
Henderson also plans to become increasingly involved with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s regional Economic Development initiatives. Additionally, the Village of Rockton is in the process of establishing a new Comprehensive Plan.
“We’ll work extensively with Village business owners, residents, and organizations, along with the firm hired to create the plan, in moving the Village forward toward continued prosperity and growth in the years to come,” Hendrson said.
“There will be many opportunities for community engagement through special events such as the Rockton River Market, Yeti Fest, Rockton Christmas Walk, among many others.”
Henderson will also provide assistance to the Village Administrator or conduct projects on his behalf or on behalf of the Village Board of Trustees.
Looking back at his career as a TV weatherman, Henderson shares, “One of the favorite parts of that job was being involved in the community, and so I feel that this position allows me to be involved in a different, yet still very meaningful way.”
He adds, “In my nearly quarter-century in the broadcast news industry, one of my greatest sources of pride was the ability to establish and maintain the trust of our community.
“I quickly learned how important it is to earn that trust and to do everything I could to keep that trust.”
“Over that time, I was able to successfully build countless relationships, based largely upon that trust, with viewers, business owners, elected officials, and community leaders, with many of those relationships evolving into close friendships.
“I want to use that ability to establish and strengthen new relationships with the residents of the Village of Rockton, its businesses, schools and churches, and other organizations.
“I want to be a trusted advocate for everyone in the Village, someone who empathetically listens to anyone’s concerns, no matter how big or small they may be.
“We all have a common goal to make this great Village even greater, and building trusted relationships between the Village and its constituents will help us get there!
“To be able to now have a front row seat to all of the exciting things taking place in Rockton, and to have the ability to have a positive impact on this community moving forward, is an absolute dream come true.
“Keeping a great thing going here is a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and doing what I can to help take this Village to new heights is an opportunity to embrace with open arms.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve the community I’ve grown to love so deeply.”
Henderson holds a bachelor of science in meteorology from Valparaiso University ( 2001) with minors in communications and math.
Henderson and his wife moved to Rockton back in 2016. “ It was the best decision we ever made. We love our neighborhood, our two girls are thriving in our wonderful schools, and this community is just so special in so many ways, “Henderson said.
Henderson encourages public input, “ I want to hear what people like, what people don’t like. I want to hear what people see as our community’s strengths, and I want to hear about what people see as potential challenges. Henderson invites the public to “Send me an email anytime at henderson@rocktonvillage.com and share your thoughts!”
Rockton Mayor John Peterson says, “Mark is very smart and organized and has a real passion for Rockton's success. Since being hired, Mark has been everything we had hoped for. He is going to be a fantastic ambassador for our village. “
