Westmont honors longtime village clerk Ginny Simmski on retirement after 27+ years

The Westmont Village Board presented a retirement proclamation and public tributes to Village Clerk Ginny (Virginia) Simmski at its Jan. 9 meeting, honoring more than 27 years of municipal service.

Mayor Ronald J. Gunther read a proclamation summarizing Simmski’s service and invited her to the dais. Board members, former trustees and community leaders spoke in praise of her decades of work for the village. Joanne Regona, city clerk of Darien, and former chamber and trustee leaders also addressed the meeting and highlighted Simmski’s statewide clerk involvement and professional certifications.

Simmski received national and state recognition during her tenure; speakers noted she was named Illinois Clerk of the Year in 2016 and had earned municipal clerk certifications and attended numerous clerk‑training programs. Her family and friends — including her husband, who recited two poems, and her daughter — spoke at the meeting. Simmski told the board, “I love this place. I loved being the clerk. I’m happy here.”

Mayor Gunther said Simmski’s niece, Amanda Simmski, is the only candidate on the upcoming ballot for village clerk and will be appointed to fill the vacancy at a future meeting, ensuring continuity in the clerk’s office.

Why it matters The clerk’s office manages official records, meeting minutes, oaths and many administrative tasks that support municipal government operations. The proclamation and tributes marked a long staff tenure and an organized transition in municipal records and clerk duties.

What’s next Clerk Simmski’s last official duties will be recorded in the minutes; the board said it will appoint Amanda Simmski to fill the office prior to the upcoming election.