Lawlor Elected Chairman of the Lake County Board

Today, the Lake County Board elected Aaron Lawlor as its chairman and Carol Calabresa (District 15, Libertyville) as its vice-chair. 

Lawlor, 30, was also sworn into his third term representing District 18, which includes all of Vernon Hills and Indian Creek as well as portions of Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove and unincorporated Lake County. 

As he took over the gavel, Lawlor stated, "there is a lot of change among this board today, but our priorities remain the same. Together we will continue our strong record of fiscal responsibility and maintain our AAA bond rating." 

Lawlor also pledged to work vigorously to advance the Route 53 Extension project.

Veteran board members see Lawlor as an innovative leader for the County Board. 

"I've served on the County Board for 18 years and have learned so much from Aaron," said Diana O'Kelly (District 10, Mundelein). "He has a unique ability to see how the issues we debate impact us in the long-term and from a broad perspective."

Linda Pedersen (District 1, Antioch) highlighted Aaron's experience. "Aaron understands how government works and how it can work better. He has held key positions at the federal, state and local levels. He knows how to get things done." 

"Aaron is one of the hardest working and knowledgeable members of the board," said Steve Carlson (District 7, Grandwood Park). "He'll bring a whole new approach." 

On the Lake County Board, Lawlor has led efforts to reduce the size of the board, cut spending and increase transparency. He is committed to economic growth, infrastructure improvements and fiscal responsibility. 

Lawlor has served on several of the county board committees, including roles as chairman of the Health and Community Services Committee, vice-chair of the Planning, Building and Zoning Committee and member of the Finance and Administration Committee and Law and Judicial Committee. Lawlor was appointed to the county board in 2009, elected in 2010, and re-elected in 2012.

Prior to joining the Lake County Board, Aaron served as board president (2005-09) and trustee (2003-09) of the Cook Memorial Public Library District where he worked to develop a $14 million capital improvements plan to build a new branch library in Vernon Hills and expand the main library in Libertyville. 

Lawlor previously worked for then-Congressman Mark Kirk for seven years, serving as his Deputy District Director and Political Director. He also worked on Kirk's successful U.S. Senate campaign. Lawlor has held key positions in the offices of several candidates and officeholders including Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. 

Aaron is a lifelong resident of Vernon Hills. He received his Bachelors of Arts from Lake Forest College with a double major in Political Science and Communications. Aaron is currently pursuing his Masters in Business Administration and is expected to complete the program in 2014.

Aaron Lawlor's Bio

This news release was submitted by Lake County.