New Trustee Brings 'Fresh Eyes' To Northbrook Village Board: President

Tamara Reese was sworn in Tuesday night after board approved her appointment to replace Michelle Kohler, who resigned in February.

By Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff

Apr 15, 2026 1:44 pm CDT

Tamara Reese will serve as a trustee until April 2027. At that point, voters will choose who serves the remainder of the four-year term Kohler won in last year's consolidated municipal elections. (Stephanie T. Adams Photography)

NORTHBROOK, IL — There is a new member on the Northbrook Village Board. Tamara Reese will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Michelle Kohler in February after being approved at the board's meeting Tuesday night.

Village President Kathryn Ciesla appointed Reese, who was sworn in at the meeting after the vote, and joined the board for the remainder of the meeting.

Kohler's resignation was due to personal reasons.

According to the Village, Reese has been actively engaged in District 28 schools and related organizations, including serving as president of the District 28 Music Parents Club and participating in the PTO Council, community events, and local initiatives.

Her experience also includes a "community-focused approach" to program development, policy, and engagement. Reese holds a master's degree in public health.

It marks the second appointment made to the Village Board by Ciesla since she became president in 2021. Kohler herself filled a vacancy left by Muriel Collison in 2023. Under Illinois law, the responsibility to fill such vacancies rests with the village president.

"But from the outset and with each appointment, I made a deliberate decision that this would not be a process carried out in isolation," Ciesla said Tuesday night as Reese's family looked on. "Given the importance of this role, it is essential that the process be thoughtful, thorough and informed by multiple perspectives."

According to Ciesla, the village received 15 applications, reviewed written submissions, conducted video interviews and narrowed the pool to four finalists.

Ciesla pointed to Reese never previously seeking or being elected to office as a "strength," adding that the new trustee brings "fresh eyes, independent thinking and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with the issues in front of us."

Reese will serve until April 2027. At that point, voters will choose who serves the remainder of the four-year term Kohler won in last year's consolidated municipal elections.