Hinsdale board honors President Tom Cawley with resolution, proclamations and public tributes
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Summary
At its May 6, 2025 meeting the Hinsdale Village Board adopted a resolution recognizing Village President Tom Cawley’s 16 years as president and heard multiple proclamations, staff remarks and public tributes highlighting infrastructure, finance and historic-preservation accomplishments.
The Hinsdale Village Board of Trustees on May 6, 2025 adopted a resolution recognizing Village President Tom Cawley and heard proclamations and public tributes at Cawley’s final board meeting after 16 years as village president.
The resolution, read into the record by board staff, credited Cawley with securing more than $29,000,000 in grant funding, improving the village’s bond rating, resurfacing or reconstructing 62 of 66 miles of roads, replacing roughly 20% of water mains and sewers, completing major projects including the Woodlands sewer and drainage project and an Oak Street bridge replacement, and supporting downtown business vitality and historic preservation efforts. The board approved the resolution by roll call vote.
Why it matters: Trustees and staff said Cawley’s tenure reshaped Hinsdale’s finances, infrastructure and preservation programs and that the recognitions mark a formal handoff after an extended period of institutional continuity.
Cawley opened the meeting by noting the occasion: "this will be my final board meeting and my final president's comments," and then thanked family, trustees and multiple current and former commissioners and staff during a lengthy statement of appreciation. Trustees and department heads echoed that praise in prepared remarks and informal comments.
Trustee Luke Stifler praised Cawley’s decision-making approach: "He always did what was the best for Hinsdale," Stifler said, adding that the president placed the village’s interests ahead of personal considerations. Trustee Neil Burns highlighted infrastructure and fiscal changes and credited Cawley with helping restore the village’s financial footing and tree-management program. Village Manager Kathleen Gargano and multiple department heads listed capital projects and operational improvements they said were completed under Cawley’s leadership.
The board and staff presented several formal recognitions. A copy of a board resolution honoring Cawley’s leadership was to be presented to him as a token of appreciation. The board also shared proclamations submitted by state and federal officials, including a statement from U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García read into the record by Maria Velasquez of the congressman’s office and a proclamation from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker acknowledging Cawley’s service and the village’s AAA bond rating and infrastructure investments.
Former and current commission chairs and residents offered spoken tributes during the public-comment portion and following the formal items. Former Zoning Board of Appeals chair Robert (Bob) Neiman and several former trustees and staff joined remotely to thank Cawley for long service. Private-sector and community representatives, including Scott Creech of engineering firm HR Green and John Bloomfield, president of the Library Board of Trustees, delivered brief remarks praising Cawley’s leadership.
The board closed the agenda item with presentation of commemorative items and a staff “High Five” award. The meeting adjourned to a reception following public comment.
Ending: The board’s recognition and the donation of commemorative items conclude Cawley’s formal duties; trustees and staff said the village will continue work on the capital and preservation initiatives cited in the resolution.
