Oak Park Township Trustee Timothy Thomas will step up as the new township supervisor, following the death of Clarmarie Keenan July 30.
The Oak Park Township’s Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Thomas for the role, according to a township press release, for the remainder of Keenan’s term. The seat expires in 2025. The job of the township supervisor, according to the release, is to oversee administrative services, manage the budget and represent the township, like a chief executive officer.
Keenan died at age 66 after living in Oak Park for 30 years. She was first elected township supervisor in 2017 and served as a township trustee before that.
Her successor, Thomas, has served as a township trustee since May 2021. Due to his appointment, however, the township board now has to fill a vacancy, too. The process will open Aug. 26 with applications due Sept. 18. The township board is expected to interview candidates during the week of Sept. 30 and appoint a new trustee Oct. 8.
Township trustees are responsible for setting policies, approving budgets and ensuring services are delivered effectively, according to the release.
The newly appointed supervisor, Thomas, has served as the assistant director at the International Union of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. He has worked at Ford Motor Co. and served as vice president of SEIU Healthcare.
He also has a degree in automotive mechanics technology and one in automotive management, according to the release.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue the work that Clarmarie was so passionate about,” Thomas said in the release. “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.”
