Homewood, IL
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Mayor & Trustees
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Village Government |
The Village of Homewood is governed by the Village President (also referred to as Mayor) and a 6-member Board of Trustees. The Trustees, Village President, and Village Clerk are elected at-large meaning each elected official represents the entire Village, not just a section or a ward. All elected officials serve four-year terms with elections staggered every two years. As the legislative body, the Village Board meets at least twice a month to make policy decisions, approve spending, and vote on various actions that affect the Village. The Village Board also approves community members to serve on boards and commissions and hires a professionally trained Village Manager who serves as the Chief Administrative Officer responsible for the management and operation of all Village departments.
Rich Hofeld – Village President
Rich Hofeld and his family have lived in Homewood since 1970. He has served as your Village President since 1997, during which time he has spearheaded exciting business and other development projects throughout the Village, creating a climate of economic growth. He has three times been named "Municipal Leader of the Year" by the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau (in 2004, 2014, and 2023) and has served as the 2011-2012 President of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA).
Over the years, Homewood has seen Bath & Body Works, Burlington, Old Navy, Five Below, Best Buy, T.J. Maxx, Starbucks, Copper Still, Home Depot, Target, Petco, Kohl’s, Famous Footwear, and Ross come into town. Menards has expanded, and a Super Target thrives on Halsted Street.
New restaurants abound, including Five Guys, Smoothie King, Dozeli’s Pizza, Juanchos Tacos, 69 Prime, Freddie's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, Chick-fil-A, Portillo's, Homewood Brewery, Chipotle, Blueberry Hill, Grady's Grille, Buffalo Wild Wings, Maple Tree Inn, Twisted Q Barbeque, Burrito Express, Coldstone, Asian Harbor, Empanadus, Eat Rice, Panda Express, Culvers, Chili's, Potbelly, Krispy Kreme, Panera Bread, Bergstein’s Deli, and Crumbl Cookie. Eight tax-producing businesses are now in the Prairie Lakes Business Park. C.N. has established its U.S. headquarters in Homewood and constructed a state-of-the-art training center here. When many auto dealerships were closing, he successfully led negotiations that allowed Chevrolet of Homewood to remain open and a viable dealership. The construction of La Banque, a boutique hotel on the site of a former bank, and the adjacent "green space" on Martin Avenue Square breathe new life into our downtown. New TIF Districts were created to renovate deteriorating business areas. Over the past 20 years, TIF areas have returned over $50 million in surplus funds to local taxing bodies, indicating responsible management and leadership in this commercial area. Rich's efforts have succeeded in having Wind Creek Casino located at I-80 and Halsted. Additionally, Metra and AMTRAK have built a new, ADA-accessible Homewood station. Upcoming projects include, Apparel Redefined on 175th Street, and Homewood Ford’s expansion. The Hartford building in the heart of Downtown Homewood boasts luxury apartments and a lively first-floor restaurant space, Stoney Point Grill. The former Brunswick Zone is being transformed into multiple businesses, anchored by an Ollie’s retail store.
Rich has successfully lobbied for, and Homewood has received, more than $2 million in State of Illinois grants for infrastructure improvements. He has overseen a decrease in the Village tax rate for residents and businesses. Homewood’s largest public works project, connecting to a new water source, Hammond, has been completed. This $12 million project was paid through wisely set aside cash reserves; no bonding, no debt.
His leadership has brought about the preservation and rehabilitation of the Village Hall, as well as the construction of the Linden/Gladville storm sewer system and the Merchants Park retention basin to bring flood relief to the Central Homewood and Downey Manor areas. The Stormwater Resource Committee was formed to address local flooding concerns and has implemented solutions. The Senior Advisory Committee was formed to meet the needs of seniors, and the Senior Identification bracelet program was instituted at his urging. The Veterans Committee was established to acknowledge the contributions of current and former servicemen and women. The Tree Committee has been involved in Village-wide reforestation and "Green Thumb" activities, and the Rail Committee has developed our Rail Park and Rail Watching Platform with funds obtained through Rich's efforts.
Rich has fostered the establishment of annual community events; always family oriented, never a carnival, never a beer tent! These events include our Farmers Markets, Homewood Artisan Street Fair, Fall Fest, Holiday Lights and the Beautification Awards Ceremony.
He has promoted open communications through the broadcasting of Board meetings and his active participation in community events, particularly neighborhood block parties. Rich maintains regular "office hours" on Saturday mornings 9-noon in the lobby of the Village Hall.
He has served as a member of Homewood's Civil Service Commission, Plan Commission, a Village Trustee, and is the Ex-officio Board Liaison to the Ethics Commission. He currently also serves as the Liquor Commissioner. His community activities include having served as Cub Scout leader, Homewood coordinator for the American Cancer Society, a member of the local United Way Board, and a member of the B'nai B'rith Board. He is also a member of the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve, American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, AARP, and he belongs to the Nature Conservancy and the National Wildlife Federation. He is an Army veteran and participates in the Veterans Administration MVP project.
Throughout his tenure as Village President, Rich has donated his Village salary to religious and community organizations serving Homewood.
Vivian Harris-Jones - Trustee
Vivian Harris-Jones and her family have lived in Homewood since 1999. Prior to moving to Homewood her family resided in (Serena Hills) Chicago Heights, Illinois for 10 years.
For over 20 years Vivian worked in the legal field as an Executive Legal Assistant and currently works as a Concierge at Sunrise Senior Living of Flossmoor. Vivian earned her Associate’s Degree from Catherine College, Chicago, Illinois.
Vivian has served as a member of the Beautification Committee of Homewood since 2016 and has always had a passion for community service. Vivian and her husband, Joe are the parents of two adult children and have three grandchildren.
This is an honor to be considered for a position on the Board of Trustees of the Village of Homewood. I see this as an opportunity to contribute to an exciting and “forward-thinking” village by making a positive impact as an advocate for the residents of Homewood.
Trustee Jay Heiferman joined the Village Board in 2006.
With his family moving to Homewood in 1968, Jay attended Churchill School, James Hart School and Homewood-Flossmoor High School. He holds a degree in Finance and Risk Management from The University of Iowa.
Jay has 50 years of involvement in local organizations and Village government and currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Homewood Science Center of which he's a founding member.
Jay operated AAA Rental System, a regional event equipment rental company from 1982 until its 2017 sale to Marquee Event Group. He then joined Marquee as Vice President of Operations. Currently, Jay is with the Entertainment Division of Hard Rock Live.
With his wife BJ, dogs, and cats, the Downtown Homewood neighborhood has been home for nearly 30 years.
Patrick Siemsen - Trustee
Though Patrick H. Siemsen has been a proud resident of Homewood for over 20 years, his deep ties to Homewood include his 27-year career with the Homewood Police Department, where he served in roles such as Police Officer, Tactical Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant. He also spent nearly 25 years with the South Suburban Emergency Response Team, holding positions up to Team Commander and Director of Training.
Patrick’s career in public service began with his six-year tenure in the U.S. Army/Illinois Army National Guard, where he served honorably as a Sergeant. He graduated from the Chicago Police Department, which led to a distinguished career in law enforcement and public safety.
Patrick serves as Chief of Police for the City of Momence and recently earned certification as a Certified Chief of Police from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.
Beyond his Homewood service, Patrick has led multiple police departments as Chief of Police and served as Director of Safety and Security for the Crete-Monee School District.
Patrick’s educational achievements include an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Political and Social Justice. He graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and its Executive Management Program.
As co-owner of Threat Assessment Executives, Patrick helps schools implement safety programs, including threat assessments, workplace violence prevention, and therapy dog initiatives. He is also an experienced educator, teaching criminal justice courses at colleges and universities, and has presented at national conferences on public safety and security.
Patrick is married with four adult children. His wife and son are committed to public service through careers in law enforcement. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
With his extensive background in leadership, public safety, and community engagement, Patrick H. Siemsen is committed to serving Homewood and working toward a safe, vibrant, and thriving future for all residents.
Lauren Roman – Trustee
Lauren Roman is a lifelong Homewood resident, mother of three, and dedicated community advocate, running for reelection as Trustee. Growing up in Homewood and graduating from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Lauren developed a deep appreciation for the village's strong sense of community. Her husband, also an HF alum, and Lauren are proud to raise their family in the same place that shaped them.
Lauren’s commitment to the community is reflected in her involvement with the Homewood 153 PTA, where she serves as Vice President of Membership. In this role, she works closely with parents and educators to strengthen schools, support children, and foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for all families in the district.
Professionally, Lauren is the #1 realtor in Homewood, helping families find their perfect homes and investing in the future of local neighborhoods. Her expertise in real estate provides her with a unique perspective on property values and taxes, which she brings to her decision-making on the Village Board.
Balancing her career, family, and public service, Lauren is committed to ensuring Homewood remains a place where families can grow, businesses can thrive, and neighbors feel connected. She brings a collaborative spirit and a solutions-oriented approach to every discussion, always keeping the best interests of residents at heart.
Lauren is excited to continue advocating for Homewood's bright future.
Julie Willis – Trustee
Julie Willis has lived in Homewood with her husband, Arthur, and their three children for 14 years. All three of her children have attended Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Her youngest son is a current student and her older daughter and son are HF graduates who went on to earn college degrees from Trinity Christian College and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Initially drawn to Homewood by what their schools could offer a special needs child, Julie is grateful that the schools and the community at large have served her family well.
A University of Illinois Alum, Julie earned a Bachelor’s in Economics, a Master’s in Library and Information Science, and a Law degree from the U of I. Since graduating from law school, Julie has spent her career working to ensure that people receive fair and just from their government agencies through her 27 years as an attorney with the Cook County Public Defender’s Office. She is currently an Attorney Supervisor in that office.
Julie currently serves as Congregation President at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Country Club Hills. Prior to her election as President, she served as Congregation Secretary and as President and Treasurer of the school’s Parent-Teacher League.
Julie feels privileged to serve as a Homewood Village Trustee.
Phillip Mason – Trustee
Phillip Mason’s professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to public service, marked by decades of experience in law enforcement and emergency management. He began his career with the Cook County Department of Corrections, where he served for 20 years, developing expertise in crisis management, leadership, and interpersonal communication. His dedication and skillset led him to the Cook County Courts and later to the executive protection detail of the Cook County Board President, where he served with distinction for six years.
In 2019, Phil transitioned to Emergency Management, where he continues to make a profound impact. As a Planning and Preparedness Manager for the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security, he leads efforts to strengthen community resilience and preparedness. Phillip specializes in creating programs that empower residents, foster collaboration, and build robust partnerships across sectors. His leadership extends to overseeing Cook County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) initiative, where he equips volunteers with the tools and training to support their communities during emergencies.
Phil is a trustee for the Village of Homewood, having served as Village Treasurer. As a member of the Economic Development Committee, Phil became a passionate advocate for community development. He is committed to fostering pride and preparedness at both the local and regional levels.
Phil'’s vision is grounded in the belief that every community can be empowered to face adversity with strength and resilience. He is dedicated to building a future where individuals, families, and organizations are equipped with the knowledge and resources to thrive, ensuring the safety and well-being of all.
Nakina is a dedicated professional with a degree in business and over 14 years of service in municipal government. She has held roles such as Assistant to the City Clerk, Business Manager, and HR Manager, showcasing her commitment to public service.
Nakina takes great pride in her community, participating in the Adopt-a-Planter program and serving on the Homewood Beautification Committee. Her volunteer work extends to various outreach programs aimed at uplifting and enhancing the community.
She is guided by a strong belief in working for the greater good. Nakina is honored to serve with the Board of Trustees.
Meeting Details
- 7:00 p.m.
- Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month
- Board Room of the Village of Homewood Village Hall
2020 Chestnut Rd, Homewood 60430 - https://www.village.homewood.il.us/government-departments/mayor-trustees/meeting-documents-videos/-fsiteid-1#!/
Agendas and Minutes
- Agendas are available prior to the meetings.
- Minutes are available following approval at the subsequent meeting.
- Village Board meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas are subject to change and, from time to time, this includes a change in the time of the meeting.
- https://homewood-il.municodemeetings.com/