Courtney Bowe sworn in as Sleepy Hollow village president; trustees take oath of office

Courtney Bowe was sworn in as village president of Sleepy Hollow during the board's May 5, 2025 meeting, and three trustees were formally seated.

Judge Julio Valdez administered the oath of office before the board and attendees. Following the judge's oath, Bowe repeated the pledge to support the U.S. and Illinois constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties of village president. Trustees Kelly L. Thomas, William Hart and William J. Kennelly each took the trustee oath in succession.

The ceremony included brief remarks and a civility pledge read earlier in the meeting. President Pickett, who preceded the swearing-in, read a proclamation recognizing May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and praised the village staff for their longtime service. Pickett also thanked volunteers and staff for public-works responses and civic service during his tenure: “It has been the staff that's really made this village what it is today,” he said.

President Bowe outlined immediate organizational steps: she announced trustee committee and liaison assignments, said she planned to appoint co-chairs for each committee to promote collaboration, and introduced a tradition of parting gifts for outgoing trustees. She also notified the board of forthcoming open-meetings and FOIA training for trustees.

The swearing-in concluded with the board's acknowledgement of new and returning officials and a brief reception. No formal votes were required to administer the oaths; the appointments of several village staff members were handled later in the meeting (see separate item on appointments and votes).