Northbrook board appoints Tamara Reese to fill trustee vacancy

President Ciesla announced the appointment of Tamara Reese to the Northbrook Village Board to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Trustee Kohler and asked the board to consent to the appointment. He said the village received 15 applications, conducted video interviews of finalists and narrowed the field to four before selecting Reese.

Ciesla described Reese’s background as including work in schools and local organizations and a master’s degree in public health; he said she was raised in a law-enforcement family and would serve until April 2027, when the community will elect who completes the term. Trustee Israel moved to consent to the appointment; Trustee Ross seconded. A roll-call vote recorded yes votes from trustees present and the motion carried.

Clerk Gao administered the oath of office to Reese, who was welcomed to the dais. President Ciesla asked for community patience and said the board had sought broad public input during the process, posting the opportunity on the village website and social media and inviting community participation in screening candidates.

With Reese’s appointment, the board adjusted committee assignments so she will assume Trustee Kohler’s committee seats; the board approved those committee appointments by motion.

Next steps: Reese will serve on the board immediately and will remain in the seat through April 2027, at which point the remainder of the term will be filled by election.