Rich Hofeld has served as your Village President since 1997, during which time he has spearheaded exciting business and other development projects, creating a climate of economic growth. He has been named "Municipal Leader of the Year" by the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau three times. He has served as the President of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association.
After decades of leadership, new restaurants abound. Eight tax-producing businesses are now in the Prairie Lakes Business Park. Canadian National Railroad has established its U.S. headquarters in Homewood. Metra and Amtrak have built a new accessible Homewood station. He has overseen Homewood’s largest public works project, connecting to a new water source, Hammond. This $12 million project was paid through wisely set aside cash reserves: no bonding, no debt.
Rich maintains regular "office hours" on Saturday mornings 9-noon in the lobby of the Village Hall.
He is an Army veteran and participates in the Veterans Administration MVP project.
Throughout his tenure as Village President, Rich has donated his Village salary to religious and community organizations serving Homewood.
Demonstrating a long-standing commitment to local involvement, Vivian, a 25-year resident, became a member of the Village Board in 2021.
She was appointed to the Homewood Beautification Committee in 2016 and is today's Village Board liaison.
Vivian has over 20 years of experience in the legal field as an Executive Legal Assistant. She has a strong foundation in professional and community service. Since 2019, she has been a concierge at Sunrise Senior Living in Flossmoor. She is a passionate gardener who is often seen in her yard on spring and summer days taking care of her flowers.
Vivian is excited to serve as a strong advocate for the residents of Homewood, ensuring that our village continues to grow and thrive.
Lauren Roman is a lifelong Homewood resident, mother of three, and dedicated community advocate, running for reelection as Trustee. Growing up in Homewood and graduating from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Lauren developed a deep appreciation for the village's strong sense of community. Her husband, also an HF alum, and Lauren are proud to raise their family in the same place that shaped them.
Lauren’s commitment to the community is reflected in her involvement with the Homewood 153 PTA, where she serves as Vice President of Membership. In this role, she works closely with parents and educators to strengthen schools, support children, and foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for all families in the district.
Professionally, Lauren is the #1 realtor in Homewood, helping families find their perfect homes and investing in the future of local neighborhoods. Her expertise in real estate provides her with a unique perspective on property values and taxes, which she brings to her decision-making on the Village Board.
Balancing her career, family, and public service, Lauren is committed to ensuring Homewood remains a place where families can grow, businesses can thrive, and neighbors feel connected. She brings a collaborative spirit and a solutions-oriented approach to every discussion, always keeping the best interests of residents at heart.
Lauren is excited to continue advocating for Homewood's bright future and would be honored to serve another term as Trustee.
Phillip Mason’s professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to public service, marked by decades of experience in law enforcement and emergency management. He began his career with the Cook County Department of Corrections, where he served for 20 years, developing expertise in crisis management, leadership, and interpersonal communication. His dedication and skillset led him to the Cook County Courts and later to the executive protection detail of the Cook County Board President, where he served with distinction for six years.
In 2019, Phil transitioned to Emergency Management, where he continues to make a profound impact. As a Planning and Preparedness Manager for the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security, he leads efforts to strengthen community resilience and preparedness. Phillip specializes in creating programs that empower residents, foster collaboration, and build robust partnerships across sectors. His leadership extends to overseeing Cook County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) initiative, where he equips volunteers with the tools and training to support their communities during emergencies.
Phil is a trustee for the Village of Homewood, having served as Village Treasurer. As a member of the Economic Development Committee, Phil became a passionate advocate for community development. He is committed to fostering pride and preparedness at both the local and regional levels.
Phil'’s vision is grounded in the belief that every community can be empowered to face adversity with strength and resilience. He is dedicated to building a future where individuals, families, and organizations are equipped with the knowledge and resources to thrive, ensuring the safety and well-being of all.
Though Patrick H. Siemsen has been a proud resident of Homewood for over 20 years, his deep ties to Homewood include his 27-year career with the Homewood Police Department, where he served in roles such as Police Officer, Tactical Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant. He also spent nearly 25 years with the South Suburban Emergency Response Team, holding positions up to Team Commander and Director of Training.
Patrick’s career in public service began with his six-year tenure in the U.S. Army/Illinois Army National Guard, where he served honorably as a Sergeant. He graduated from the Chicago Police Department, which led to a distinguished career in law enforcement and public safety.
Patrick serves as Chief of Police for the City of Momence and recently earned certification as a Certified Chief of Police from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.
Beyond his Homewood service, Patrick has led multiple police departments as Chief of Police and served as Director of Safety and Security for the Crete-Monee School District.
Patrick’s educational achievements include an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Political and Social Justice. He graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and its Executive Management Program.
As co-owner of Threat Assessment Executives, Patrick helps schools implement safety programs, including threat assessments, workplace violence prevention, and therapy dog initiatives. He is also an experienced educator, teaching criminal justice courses at colleges and universities, and has presented at national conferences on public safety and security.
Patrick is married with four adult children. His wife and son are committed to public service through careers in law enforcement. He is bilingual in English and Spanish,
With his extensive background in leadership, public safety, and community engagement, Patrick H. Siemsen is committed to serving Homewood and working toward a safe, vibrant, and thriving future for all residents.
Nakina is a dedicated professional with a degree in Business and over 14 years of service in municipal government. She has held roles such as Assistant to the City Clerk, Business Manager, and HR Manager, showcasing her commitment to public service.
As a wife and mother of four, Nakina embraces the challenges and joys of supporting a modern, dynamic family. A proud resident of Homewood, she takes great pride in her community, participating in the Adopt-a-Planter program and serving on the Homewood Beautification Committee since 2021. Her volunteer work extends to various outreach programs aimed at uplifting and enhancing the community.
Nakina is guided by a strong belief in working for the greater good, even when it means standing by decisions that may not align with popular opinion.
TEAM LEADERSHIP
The mission of the Greater Homewood Party has always been to foster leadership that supports quality Village services in a fiscally responsible manner while planning for future needs.
Public Works, Police, Fire… All of our first responders are among the best in the region.
STRONG, SUCCESSFUL VILLAGE LEADERSHIP plays a crucial role in actively seeking opportunities to bring in restaurants, retail options, and services that enhance our lives and strengthen our community.
Members of The Homewood Village Board attend dozens of public events, meetings, groundbreakings, festivals, ribbon cuttings, parades, block parties and other gatherings of all kinds. Please make a point to say, "hello" and get to know us. Would YOU like to get more involved?
Mayor Hofeld, representatives from staff leadership, The Village Board and other leaders have visited with residents and businesses to discuss issues, cultivate ideas, and stay connected.