Local Candidates Face Off in April 1 Election
January 30, 2025
For the first time in four years, Northbrook voters in the 2025 General Consolidated Election will face choices for Village President as well as three seats on the Village Board of Trustees. Candidates endorsed by the Northbrook Caucus, including three incumbents, will be challenged by individuals on a ticket called Northbrook Focused. The Chamber invited all candidates for Village Hall positions to participate in the organization's newsletter by sharing a profile, in order to help keep the business community informed.
The candidates were asked to respond to each of the following questions in approximately 100 words or less:
1)Â Â Â Your Name
2)Â Â Â Occupation (your job title, business name and location)
3)Â Â Â How long have you been a resident of Northbrook?
4)Â Â Â Describe any experience in public service â elected positions, commissions, etc. â or community advocacy.
5)Â Â Â Describe the primary skills or qualities you would bring to your elected position.
6)Â Â Â Describe your top goal related to Northbrookâs business community, and the actions you would take to advance that goal.
Their responses are shared below without edits.
Northbrook Caucus-endorsed Candidates
For Village President:
Kathryn Ciesla (Incumbent)
Occupation: Attorney, Ciesla Beeler, LLC in Northfield
Northbrook Residency: 24 years
Public Service/Advocacy Experience: Northbrook Village President 2021 â present; Northbrook Village Trustee 2009-2021. My community involvement includes children's advocacy and pro bono legal work. I advocate for the rights of children in domestic relations cases, including transgender children and those affected by substance abuse or mental health issues. I also speak and write on topics related to family law. I have served on committees for the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Womenâs Network, coached youth sports, coordinated community charity initiatives, participated in District 28 PTOs, and volunteered for the Northbrook CIVIC Foundation. I have been involved in educational outreach, giving career advice to students. I have also held leadership positions on the boards of the Edward G. Schumacher Memorial Library and Lancelot Inc. I have been active in family business councils, the Northbrook Chamber, and am a graduate of Leadership Northbrook.
Skills/Qualities: Leadership. I know how to listen, and I value hearing the opinions of others. I am effective at framing discussions, facilitating dialogue, and applying order and process to move projects forward. I encourage our board members to be themselves, to share insights, and to exemplify ethics and civility,
Temperament. My temperament and training lead me to listen, acknowledge different points of view, and find common ground as I prioritize the best interests of those I serve. I believe in calm, rational, respectful dialogue and freedom of expression.
Institutional Experience.  I have served on most Board committees and served during three economic downturns and a pandemic. As the most senior member of the Village Board, I have an invaluable understanding of the history behind certain decisions and applications.
Top Goal for Northbrookâs Business Community: The landscape for economic development and retention has changed due to the reduction in brick-and-mortar retail sales, the overall economy, increased competition from surrounding municipalities, property taxes, and cumbersome regulations. The Village Board must be forward-looking and nimble so that we can remain both attractive and competitive. Strategies include working with County and State officials to stabilize property taxes, updating our Zoning Code to be more development-friendly, and offering incentives - grants, sales tax sharing agreements, loans, TIFs, and other financing mechanisms - to attract new retail and manufacturing enterprises and also support our existing businesses.
For Village Trustee
Matthew Cassidy
Occupation: I am a financial technology consultant, working engagements with a variety of brokerages and investment banks, most with offices downtown.
Northbrook Residency: 14 years.
Public Service or Advocacy Experience: I believe deep experience in public and community service should be an expectation of candidates for this office. I am currently an elected member of the District 28 Board of Education, and also a member of the villageâs Economic Strategy Commission. Previous to that I was on the Economic Development Committee (ESC predecessor) for three years, and served three years on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force. I also volunteer as the House League Director for Northbrook Girls Softball, have coached three different youth sports, and worked numerous shifts at the Northfield Township Food Pantry during and after the pandemic.
Skills/Qualities: Iâve spent over 20 years working at the intersection of finance and technology. Budgetary and financial decisions are key to successful village government, and understanding technology means being able to help guide our community into a more efficient future. Prior to my current career I worked in law enforcement, and before that volunteered as a licensed EMT. That experience gives me a special appreciation for the importance of our public safety agencies. These combined with my experience on boards and commissions give me the skills and knowledge to be an effective representative of the residents and businesses of Northbrook.
Top Goal for Northbrookâs business community: If I had to choose just one goal for now, I believe that Northbrookâs businesses and residents would benefit most from deploying a cohesive economic development plan for both existing and new businesses. Fortunately this effort has already begun, with the ESC (of which I am a part) outlining key parts of a plan for the current administration and the Board of Trustees. Now the ball is in their court to solidify the program and put it in action in a way that provides clear paths for existing businesses to grow and improve, and new businesses to be opened.
Joy Ebhomielen (Incumbent)
Occupation - Senior Manager, US Clinical Trial Payments, AbbVie, North Chicago IL
Northbrook Residency - Over 20 years
Public Service or Advocacy Experience - I have always had a 'heart for service'. I am just completing my first term as a Village Trustee and seeking re-election. I serve on the board of Hunger Resource Network, a non-profit whose mission is to aid in the alleviation of hunger by supporting food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens in the chicagoland area. I have also served as a volunteer for the Northfield Food Pantry, D27 PTA and the former Northbrook Community Relations Committee (now Communications & Outreach Commission).
Skills/Qualities - I have an MBA in Finance with over 20 years of banking, finance & strategy experience. I am also a woman of color and an immigrant. I will bring my years of fiscal financial experience as well as a diversity of thought leadership to this position.
Top Goal for Northbrookâs Business Community - One area that I continue to hear from residents and businesses alike is building a vibrant downtown where residents flock to and businesses thrive. This goal has the consensus of all Trustees. In 2025 you will see some of these efforts materializing including expanded outdoor year- round dining for our area restaurants, improved landscaping, lighting and streetscapes in the downtown area as well as continuing to foster a development friendly community. Also through approved incentives, we have brought great businesses like Tesla and Hometown Coffee to our Village! Look forward to exciting things for Northbrook this year..but there is still much more to do.
Michelle Kohler (Incumbent)
Occupation: CMO & Partner, Audira Labs, Northbrook, IL
Northbrook Residency: 14 years in April
Public Service/Advocacy Experience: I joined the Village Board in December 2023. Previously, I served eight years on the District 28 School Board, four as Vice President. We offered full-time, in-person learning during the pandemic, hired a new superintendent, implemented full-day kindergarten, and won two blue ribbon awards. I currently serve as a Cook County Womenâs Commissioner and am a member of the Northbrook Chamber and the Democrats of Northfield Township where I advocated for education. My volunteerism includes: the GBN Music Parent Club, the Westmoor PTO, hearing health charities, the Evanston Legal Aid Foundation, Northwestern Dance Marathon, Moms Demand Action, and Youth Services.
Skills/Qualities: Â I believe that the core of this job is, first and foremost, to listen. I am always looking for new ways that the board can have opportunities to understand the wants and the needs of the community, beyond what we hear at board meetings and read in emails or on social media. I believe there are many avenues that we can explore to engage with the public -- from formal surveys to informal coffees and discussion groups. I also believe my work in marketing has helped me to practice integrating and evaluating this feedback to get a sense of what the majority of the community wants. I am a communications professional, a smaller business owner, a former corporate executive, and an advocate who has made many contacts through all levels of government over the years.
Top Goal for Northbrook Business Community: Continuing to work on reducing barriers for doing business in Northbrook in order to make Northbrook a profitable place for businesses to plant roots and grow. This includes being smart about the incentives and business-generating projects we choose. With the help of our Economic Strategy Commission and by researching other communities, we continue to implement and look at opportunities like incentives for new and existing businesses, public improvements like downtown streetscaping, zoning, and increased community engagement for Northbrook businesses. As we look to grow strategically, we must evaluate the economic value of our plans, while balancing the impact to the community in order to ensure that we can support Northbrook's unique vibrancy now and into the future.
Derek Gau
Occupation: President, Apigrate LLC, Northbrook
Northbrook Residency: 18 years
Public Service/Advocacy Experience: Â I have no prior public service experience. However, as an active father, I have spent a lot of time volunteering in the Northbrook community and public schools.
Skills/Qualities: Â As an executive, business owner and consultant Iâve learned the importance of being organized, conducting oneself honorably, and listening to other perspectives. Operating in the software services industry, I know the importance of continuous improvement, and constantly strive to learn more about technology and how it can be used to benefit others.
Top Goal for Northbrook Business Community: Â While the Village Clerkâs role may not appear to have a lot to do with businesses directly, good communication and organization serve the business community by maintaining and improving transparency, which of course helps with tactical and strategic decision-making. My goal is to work closely with members of Village government to maintain robust record-keeping infrastructure and find ways to continuously improve communication throughout my term.
Independent Candidates
For Village President
Josha (Josh) Kaplan
Occupation: Local Restaurant Owner/Operator of Josh's Hot Dogs, 873 Sanders Rd
Northbrook Residency: 15 Year Northbrook resident
Public Service/Advocacy Experience: Â I have dedicated myself to public service through various volunteer efforts and community involvement. For over a decade, I have participated in events like The Kevin Butler Celebrity Golf Invitational, raising over $1.75 million annually for the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Childrenâs Hospital. My philanthropic work includes donating meals to underprivileged children at Roberti Community House, supporting the Northfield Food Pantry, and sponsoring local athletic teams and educational clubs. I take pride in mentoring Northbrook GBN graduates and helping them build successful careers. These experiences have fueled my commitment to serving others with a âdo right unto othersâ philosophy.
Skills/Qualities: As Village President, I will bring strong leadership, inspiring and uniting the community around a shared vision. My communication skills ensure transparency and connection, while my problem-solving ability addresses Northbrookâs needs with practical solutions. Collaboration is keyâI value teamwork with officials, organizations, and residents. I will prioritize community engagement, remaining visible and accessible to all. With a focus on financial responsibility, compassion for residents, and unwavering integrity, I aim to rebuild trust and foster accountability. These qualities will guide Northbrook toward sustainable growth, inclusivity, and a thriving, engaged community under my leadership. Together, we can build a stronger future.
Top Goal for Northbrook Business Community: My top priority for the business community is to collaborate with the Village Board and residents to revitalize Northbrook Court as a thriving economic hub and a premier destination in the northern suburbs. Achieving this requires teamwork, valuing the expertise of colleagues, and listening to the community. As a business owner, Iâve learned that success depends on those around you. Similarly, as Village President, I will rely on trustees, board members, employees, and residents to achieve shared goals. Northbrook is my familyâs home, and I am deeply committed to its growth, success, and future prosperity.
For Village Trustee
Laura Hochstein
Occupation: Iâm an Event Planner, Personal Stylist, and Social Media Influencer who works from home. I graduated from the University of llinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Northbrook Residency: I was born and raised in Northbrook. I attended all district 27 schools and then Glenbrook North. I always knew that I wanted to raise my children in Northbrook so my husband and I settled in District 28 where two of our children go to Greenbriar Elementary School and our youngest will go there next year. My husband, a proud Ohioan, says that Northbrook is undoubtedly the best place to live with the best schools.
Public Service/Advocacy Experience: I served on the board at the Standard Club and was in charge of new member recruitment and interviews. I also served on the board at Paws Animal Shelter with an emphasis on Fundraising. I currently donate my time to Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter where I create videos of dogs and cats in need of homes. I also help with fundraising efforts there. Lastly, I am an active member of the Greenbriar PTO and have helped serve on various committees for the last six years.
Skills/Qualities: My best quality is that Iâm a great networker! I have a mental rolodex in my head at all times. I love connecting business owners with each other which was exemplified years prior when I owned a womenâs networking group. I also like to problem solve and I have a great ability to put myself in someone elseâs shoes before coming to a conclusion. Lastly, I pride myself on being approachable. If elected, I would like the residents to know that I am always available to be a sounding board and that their voices will be heard.
Top Goal for Northbrook Business Community: First, Iâd introduce myself to as many Northbrook businesses as possible. Through this process, Iâve found that many owners have had little to no interaction with the current board. Communication is paramount! Secondly, we must prioritize the needs of existing businesses and provide them with support that will allow them to thrive. Lastly, Iâd use my good networking skills at trade shows and promote Northbrook as a wonderful opportunity for them to expand into.  The best is yet to come for Northbrook and Iâm determined to have it become THE prime destination for residents and adjacent neighborhoods to dine and shop.
Anthony Riccardi
Occupation: I am the President & Owner of William A. Randolph, Inc. a commercial construction company based in Gurnee, IL with additional offices in Atlanta & New York. (www.warandolph.com) I am a Civil Engineer having graduated from Lehigh University in 2001.
Northbrook Residency:Â I was born and raised in Northbrook having attended St. Norbertâs (K-8) and then Glenbrook North High School. It was at Glenbrook North that I met my wife, Jamie. We purchased our home fifteen years ago and are proud to raise our children in the same great town that we have called home our entire lives.
Public Service/Advocacy Experience: I have served as a Trustee for the Chicagoland Laborers District Council Health & Welfare Fund and as a Board Member for the Great Lakes Contractors Association, roles that allowed me to support workers and advance industry standards. My experience also includes the development and renovation of housing projects nationwide, encompassing both market-rate and affordable housing. These efforts reflect my commitment to improving communities and addressing critical needs. Through these positions, I have gained valuable insights and a deep passion for serving others, which I bring to every aspect of my professional and community work.
Skills/Qualities: I bring a wealth of experience and strong relationships in commercial real estate that I hope to leverage on the Village Board during this transformative period in Northbrookâs history. My involvement in major real estate developments across Chicago, including the Wheeling Town Center, has equipped me with a deep understanding of project management, community engagement, and fostering successful partnerships. I am committed to fostering transparency in all dealings, ensuring that both future development partners and Northbrook residents feel informed and valued throughout the process. This approach will support thoughtful growth while preserving the unique character of our community.
Top Goal for the Northbrook Business Community: My top goal is to prioritize growth by fostering a business-friendly environment that supports both new and established enterprises in Northbrook. By enhancing communication and promoting transparency, the Village can effectively display the resources and opportunities it offers to businesses. This includes creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring equitable support for all business owners. Proactively engaging with the business community will help identify their needs and opportunities for collaboration, making Northbrook a destination of choice for entrepreneurs and established companies alike. These efforts will strengthen our local economy and contribute to the vitality of our community.
Charles Zivin
Occupation: Attorney, Wolf, Solovy & Zivin LLP in Northbrook
Northbrook Residency: Apart from attending Indiana University (2008-2012) and living in Chicago after college (2014-2019), I have been a resident of Northbrook my entire life. Northbrook has always been my home. I was born and raised here, attended District 27 and District 225 schools, and now live here with my wife, Jamie, and our three children, who will go through the same excellent school districts that shaped my own life. Northbrook means a great deal to me, and I am honored by the opportunity to give back to the village that has been such a central part of my life.
Public Service/Advocacy Experience: I have been an active board member of my homeownerâs association in Northbrook since 2019, gaining valuable experience in addressing the unique needs of community governance. As an attorney specializing in real estate, I have also provided pro bono legal services to homeowners, landlords, property managers, and condominium/homeowner associations, demonstrating my dedication to serving and improving our community.
Skills/Qualities: As an attorney with over a decade of experience, I bring strong analytical, problemsolving, and negotiation skills. My practiceâfocusing on real estate matters and collaborating with boards, owners, and managers to draft, amend, and enforce declarations, bylaws, and regulationsâhas given me a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory and operational needs of residential communities. Additionally, my deep roots in Northbrook provide me with a unique perspective on our communityâs priorities, local needs and opportunities.
Top Goal for the Business Community: My top goal is to foster a thriving business environment in Northbrook. I aim to support current businesses and local entrepreneurs, the backbone of our community, while finding creative ways to attract new businesses and investments to enhance local revenue. I would work to streamline the permitting and licensing processes, promote public-private partnerships, and advocate for policies that encourage economic growth while preserving Northbrookâs unique character and charm.
Early voting for the consolidated election begins March 17, with the final election day being April 1. Sample ballots and more information will be available on the Cook County Clerk's website.