Oak Park Township Appoints Timothy Thomas as Township Supervisor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Evan C. Michel
Township Manager
105 S. Oak Park Avenue
Oak Park, Illinois 60302
(708) 383-8005 x2124
EMichel@oakparktownship.org
Oak Park Township Appoints Timothy Thomas as Township Supervisor
Oak Park, IL, August 20, 2024 – The Oak Park Township Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Trustee Timothy Thomas as the new Township Supervisor, following the recent passing of longtime Supervisor Clarmarie Keenan. In accordance with Illinois statute, Thomas will serve the remainder of Keenan’s unexpired term until the new board seats in year 2025. The Township Supervisor is the chief executive officer of the township, responsible for overseeing the administration of township services, managing the budget, and representing the township in various capacities.
Timothy Thomas brings extensive experience to the role, with a solid background in the automotive and labor sectors. He formerly served as Assistant Director at the International Union, UAW, focusing on political strategy and organizing within the UAW National Political CAP Department. With over a decade at Ford Motor Company in lean manufacturing and team leadership, and previous service as Vice President of SEIU HCII, Thomas has been a strong advocate for healthcare and childcare workers. He holds degrees in Automotive Mechanics Technology and Automotive Management and has served as an Oak Park Township Trustee since May 2021, contributing significantly to the community.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue the work that Clarmarie was so passionate about,” said Timothy Thomas. “Oak Park Township has a rich history of serving our residents with integrity and care, and I look forward to continuing that legacy while focusing on innovation, civic engagement, and intergenerational programs. I am deeply committed to the well-being of our community and am grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board.”
With the appointment of Timothy Thomas as Township Supervisor, a vacancy has been created on the Board of Trustees. The Board is seeking applications from the community to fill this position for the remainder of Thomas’s unexpired term. Township Trustees serve a crucial role in setting policies, approving budgets, and ensuring the effective delivery of township services by working closely with the Supervisor and other board members.
The application process will officially open on Monday, August 26, with applications due by Wednesday, September 18. The Board will review all submitted applications and determine a list of candidates they wish to interview during their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 24. Interviews will be conducted during a special meeting to be held the week of Monday, September 30, with a final appointment expected to be made at the regular meeting on Tuesday, October 8.
About Oak Park Township
Oak Park Township provides government assistance through social services that help improve the well-being of residents at all ages and stages of life. We offer supportive services for seniors, youth, and people with disabilities, along with programs that address the unique challenges of mental health, substance abuse, unemployment and more. In addition, we serve as the community property tax advocate in helping residents understand their property assessments and how they may realize tax savings through appeals or exemptions.