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Kevin Levy elected Rock County board chair; Tillman and Woodman fill vice posts
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Summary
At its organizational meeting, the Rock County Board of Supervisors elected Kevin Levy chair, Barb Tillman vice chair and Woodman second vice chair. New supervisors were sworn in and introduced, and the board proceeded to a major package of rules amendments.
Kevin Levy was elected chair of the Rock County Board of Supervisors after nominations and a paper ballot vote at the board’s organizational meeting. Levy received 15 votes to Rich Bostwick’s 12 and then took over the meeting to continue organizational business.
The newly sworn supervisors introduced themselves before the leadership elections. Rudolfo Abaca said he represents the Southwest corner of Beloit and volunteers in the community; Steven William Brown identified himself as the newly elected District 6 supervisor and a longtime farmer. Other introductions included Bridal Buchanan (vice president, Police and Fire Commission; Beloit NAACP executive board), Leanne Cantwell (substitute teacher), Patricia Fleming (retired state civil servant), Nikkita Ford (children’s Medicaid policy analyst and Humana employee), Garrett Harwick (skilled trades advocate), Madeline Heiss (District 24), Willow Wallace (East Side, children’s Medicaid policy analyst) and Sandy Welch (District 28, health care professional).
Levy, speaking after his nomination, said, “It’s been an honor to work with you over the last few years … I take pride in slowing the meeting down and saying, ‘let’s get an understanding,’ make sure everybody gets an understanding because at the end of the day… make sure that it’s their goal to make sure that everybody is understanding what they’re voting for before they vote.”
Rich Bostwick, the other nominee for chair, recounted his long service on the board: “I’ve been on the board for some 20 years … I show up without fail.” After both candidates spoke, ballots were collected and the clerk announced Levy as the new chair.
Levy then opened the election for vice chair. Barb Tillman, who noted her county service and committee leadership experience, received 14 votes to Rich Bostwick’s 13 and was elected vice chair. For second vice chair, Woodman received 14 votes to Gorman’s 13 and was elected to that role.
The board then moved on to a review and adoption of board rules for 2026–2028 (see separate article). The meeting concluded after announcements, including a retirement reception notice and an update that the county’s emergency operations center remained active following recent storms.
The board adjourned after completing the organizational agenda; supervisors were asked to return signed oaths of office and committee preference forms by May 1.
