Local Politics
Bio
Office Sought: Villa Park Village President
City: Villa Park
Age: 41
Occupation: Senior performance marketer
Previous offices held: Village trustee since 2023
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? Also, what makes you the best candidate for the position?
I’m running because Villa Park is at a turning point, and we need leadership that understands how to manage growth while protecting what makes our village special.
I’m motivated by the opportunity to build a stronger, more connected community — one that attracts smart development, invests in infrastructure, and keeps Villa Park affordable for families.
As a trustee, I’ve focused on responsible spending and long-term planning, including helping spearhead the Recreation Center, a project that is already driving future investment.
My professional experience has given me the skills to navigate complex challenges, work with businesses, and facilitate relationships that will help us secure resources at the county, state, and federal levels.
Growth doesn’t happen by accident — it takes leadership with vision and experience. I have the background to make that happen.
What is the most serious issue your community will face in coming years and how should leaders respond to it?
Growth and infrastructure remain the biggest challenges ahead for Villa Park. There’s still a lot of work to do — roads and sidewalks need repairs, sewer separation projects must stay on track, and aging buildings and facilities will need attention.
My plan for long-term growth is about being proactive, not reactive. We need to stay efficient and nimble, completing these critical projects while also looking ahead at what’s next.
That means securing grants, maximizing resources, and making smart financial decisions that keep tax dollars working for residents. At the same time, we need to be forward-thinking — ensuring that as we invest in today’s needs, we’re also planning for future development, public safety, and a stronger local economy.
By planning ahead and staying transparent, we can make sure Villa Park grows the right way — strengthening our community without adding unnecessary financial strain.
How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?
The recent audit report confirms that Villa Park’s finances are stable, but long-term sustainability requires smart planning. Our top priorities should be infrastructure repairs, economic development, and public safety — investments that directly impact residents’ quality of life and ensure our village remains strong.
The audit also highlighted areas where we need to stay financially disciplined, including managing debt responsibly and ensuring funds are allocated efficiently.
My focus is on maximizing grants and external funding to reduce the tax burden while keeping spending strategic. We need to be proactive about maintaining our assets and planning for future needs, avoiding short-term fixes that lead to higher costs later.
By being transparent and fiscally responsible, we can keep Villa Park financially strong while continuing to invest in our community’s future.
What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?
Our roads and water systems remain a top priority, as they impact safety, property values, and business development. But we also have aging buildings that need attention, including our fire department, police station, village hall, and public works facilities.
These buildings are critical to providing essential services, and delaying upgrades could lead to higher costs down the road. Additionally, an over/underpass project is something we need to explore to improve traffic flow and safety.
Funding these improvements requires smart planning. We can leverage state and federal grants, impact fees, and public-private partnerships to lessen the burden on taxpayers.
Even in uncertain economic times, growth doesn’t have to stall — by making strategic, long-term investments, we can ensure Villa Park keeps moving forward while maintaining financial stability.
Large-scale projects without clear funding or immediate benefits should be carefully evaluated, but with the right approach, we can continue to invest in our future.
Describe your leadership style and explain how you think it will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.
My leadership style is collaborative, strategic, and focused on getting results. I’ve spent years bringing teams together to solve complex challenges — whether working with some of the largest companies in the world or getting things done right here in Villa Park.
As a trustee and with eight years on the Parks and Recreation Commission, I’ve helped drive real progress, from revitalizing community spaces to making smart, long-term investments.
That experience translates directly to leading as village president — aligning with the village manager and staff on a clear vision, ensuring accountability, and making sure projects get done efficiently. I know how to navigate complex decisions, build consensus, and push for solutions that move Villa Park forward. My experience has prepared me to lead with confidence and deliver real results for our community.
What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
Villa Park has incredible potential to improve walkability and create a more vibrant, connected village. One idea worth exploring is reconfiguring St. Charles Road to slow traffic and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
By making key areas more walkable, we can encourage more foot traffic to local businesses, improve safety, and enhance the overall experience of our village hubs.
Other communities have successfully done this, transforming main roads into welcoming spaces that attract people to live, shop, dine, and engage with their community.
Pairing this with smart redevelopment — like adding senior housing options and mixed-use spaces — can help Villa Park grow in a way that benefits both longtime residents and new families looking to put down roots. We’re ready for this, and we’re open for business.