Wendy West said her first priority as Willow Springs’ newest trustee is to listen before acting.
The financial advisor and business owner, sworn in last month to fill Fred Posch’s vacant seat, said she wants to understand the village’s challenges and hear from residents before pushing any agenda of her own.
“My first priority is to listen, learn and collaborate,” West said. “I have not been involved long enough to fully understand all of the village’s challenges and opportunities, so I look forward to getting to know our residents, hearing their perspectives and gaining a deeper understanding of the issues that matter most to them.”
West brings financial planning expertise to a board managing rapid growth. The village has issued 880 building permits this year—triple the prior year—and last week approved a major sidewalk infrastructure project.
“I appreciate the strong work being done by the current administration to keep the village operating smoothly and efficiently,” she said. “My goal is to support those efforts and I am excited for the opportunity to serve the community.”
West, president of the La Grange Business Association, was appointed to the board during the July 9 Village Board meeting. Her term expires April 30, 2027.
She also emphasized her commitment to bringing diverse perspectives to the board.
“As a woman and a business professional, I hope to bring a diverse perspective to the board and help ensure that different voices within our community are heard,” she said.
Village President Melissa Neddermeyer praised West’s engagement before she took her oath.
“It’s our pleasure working with her and getting to know her,” Neddermeyer said. “She consistently shows up here to help residents.”
West moved to Willow Springs in August 2020 with her husband, a Cook County Sheriff’s Police sergeant, and her stepdaughter, a nursing student at Purdue University.
The village will appoint someone to fill West’s Parks and Recreation Commission seat in the coming weeks, Village Administrator Ryan Grace said.