New Village Trustee In La Grange

LA GRANGE, IL — The La Grange Village Board appointed a new member Monday to fill the seat left vacant with member Mark Kuchler's elevation to village president two months ago. The new trustee is the Rev. Shawana McGee, a third-generation La Grange resident.

In choosing McGee, Kuchler said he had solicited nominations for the open position.

"There was interest in the position from a number of very capable and talented residents," Kuchler said in his statement. "(McGee) has been an active and invaluable member of our community. Her enthusiasm and dedication to serving the public will be beneficial to the residents of La Grange."

Her LinkedIn page lists her as the "spiritual leader" with the La Grange-based Caring Place Foundation. In 2018, the group served a Christmas meal to 225 poor people at the La Grange Community Center, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The Village Board, which met remotely because of the coronavirus, approved McGee's nomination in a voice vote. Her first meeting will be April 27. The village will hold a virtual swearing-in for McGee and later hold a ceremony after the governor's stay-at-home order ends, Kuchler said.

"She will be a terrific addition," Kuchler said.

Kuchler replaced Village President Tom Livingston, who resigned in February so he could devote more time to his full-time job.