Precinct 5 Candidate Bios

(Biographies are provided by the candidates)

Village Nominating Committee

Peter Kendall  I am a lifelong North Shore resident and a New Trier graduate. My wife and I moved to Glencoe 22 years ago, choosing to live here because of the schools, the lake and the people. Professionally, I spent more than 30 years at the Chicago Tribune before becoming an independent journalist and part-time faculty member at Loyola University, Chicago.  

John Kuzak  My wife and I moved to Glencoe in 2014 to start a family. We wanted the basics: transportation, local small businesses. But what we found was special. A community. The coffee shops are busy with neighbors talking. Parks are full with multi-family play dates. I’ve even made friends at the train station which says something given we all arrive at 5:30 a.m.! I am a proud Glencoe resident and all that pass along my home on the way to the Green Bay Trail can see it in my smile and the neighborly small talk I can offer as only a good neighbor can.

Ann Reilly  President — Friends of the Green Bay Trail (non-profit) — 6 years, Volunteer — Chicago Botanic Garden — 10 years, Retired — Regulatory attorney in anti-money laundering at large banks —  25 years

Joseph Rosenthal  Our family moved to Glencoe in 2012, after many years in the New York/New Jersey area. We fell in love with the village – we were instantly impressed by the down-to-earth, spirited, kind residents. Our school-age children are the fortunate beneficiaries of all Glencoe has to offer, from its abundant parks and recreational opportunities, events programming, to the charming village itself. They are library super-users! I believe in volunteerism, and have given time to the Watts Advisory Committee, 6 years as a volunteer hockey coach, and was a Planning Board Alternate Member in South Orange, NJ. 

School Board Nominating Committee

Jen Boyes  I received a BA from the University of Michigan, a MA from DePaul University and had a 15-year long career in advertising and sports marketing, leaving my position with the NBA at the Golden State Warriors in 2012 to become a stay at home mom. I was on the executive board of our PTA in our California district from 2013-15, and since moving to Glencoe in 2016 have volunteered for the PTO in each of the three schools.

Nicole Downie  Nicole grew up in Wilmette and graduated from New Trier before receiving her B.A.from Miami University. Nicole spent ten years working in the fashion industry in New York, where she specialized in running branded multi-million dollar merchandising and sales Strategies. In addition to her professional career, Nicole volunteered with The New York Junior League, where she focused on fundraising and development prior to sitting on the Managing Board. Nicole was also active with The Met’s Apollo Circle. Nicole returned to the North Shore during COVID. She currently volunteers with Thrift House and the Parent’s Committee at her daughter’s school.