Mendrek, Elfman, Galin and Juedes chosen to lead Northfield by the Northfield Village Caucus
Tracey Mendrek, Current Village Trustee, Caucus Endorsed Presidential Candidate
Tracey has always been a public servant. From the very early days when she was on the Board of the Northfield Community Nursery School, the PTO or organizing the community to pass the Home Rule Referendum in 2010, while simultaneously adding her voice to the fight over widening Willow Road, helping her community has been a passion. She now realizes it was a proving ground for the skills required as President to lead this Village. As the CFO of a highly regarded crisis communication and issues management firm, her responsibilities include year-over-year budget evaluations, ROI of new business strategies and day-to-day financial concerns. Her experience in business development for two major Chicago architecture and design build firms makes her uniquely qualified to evaluate commercial real estate opportunities for the Village of Northfield. She grew up in central Illinois to parents who were outstanding golfers, instilling in her a passion for the sport. After graduating from Knox College, Tracey moved to Chicago and began her career in the golf business. At the Chicago District Golf Association and Western Golf Association, she learned about business and played at some of the most prestigious courses in the country. Those experiences inspired Tracey to found and run an event planning firm for nearly two decades. Among her clients were leaders of the Turnaround Management Industry where she learned the importance of strategy and critical long-term decision-making to ensure an organization’s success. Tracey is so grateful for her 35 years of family memories in Northfield, especially times at Clarkson Park playing, enjoying concerts, walking her dogs in the summer and ice skating and making snow angels in the winter. From the beginning as a young parent, she made friendships that stand the test of time to today. She is especially thankful that her granddaughters now call Clarkson “Mimi’s Park” as they carry on a new generation of traditions.
Matthew Galin, Current Trustee, Caucus Endorsed Trustee Candidate
Matt and his family moved to Northfield 13 years ago and it has been home ever since! He and his wife have two kids, ages 15 and 10, and a three-year old goldendoodle, Ruby. Matt has had a 20-year career in law. Currently, he is a Managing Director at Madison West Legal Search, where he focuses on partner and partner group recruitment and placements. Before joining Madison West in 2022, he was a federal litigator for 18 years, working on complex and class action cases throughout the United States, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, including arguing before the Georgia Supreme Court in 2017. Throughout his career, it has been extremely important to Matt to really listen to people so he can understand not only their concerns, but also their perspectives. He received his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and his B.S. from Cornell University. Matt has served as a Village Trustee and a Northfield delegate to the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) since 2021. He also helped create a Village-wide sidewalk improvement plan as chair of the sidewalk committee. He is eager to continue his work on the board helping to build meaningful connections between community members and the Village.
Andrew Juedes, Caucus Endorsed Trustee Candidate
Andrew Juedes has proudly called Northfield home for the past 10 years. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two sons, Ben (12) and Johnny (9), along with their dog Daisy. With over two decades of experience in education, Andrew is a teacher in the Special Education department at New Trier High School where he has taught for 18 years. His work focuses on ensuring equitable access and support for all students. Beyond the classroom, Andrew has coached New Trier’s varsity bowling team for the past 12 years. He has also sponsored a variety of student clubs including archery, biking, gaming and student senate. These clubs foster leadership, community engagement and opportunities for students to find their niche. Andrew holds a master’s degree in special education from National-Louis University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Denison University. His career is driven by a commitment to collaboration, problem-solving and building inclusive communities. In addition to his professional work, Andrew has been a dedicated member of the Northfield community. He has volunteered as a youth baseball and hockey coach since first moving here, mentored students through athletic and academic initiatives, and participated in local advisory groups. Andrew is passionate about preserving and enhancing Northfield’s vibrant character by fostering connections between residents and supporting sustainable economic and environmental growth. Andrew is excited to serve as a Village Trustee, bringing his experience in education, leadership, and community-building to the board.
Edwin Elfmann, Caucus Endorsed Trustee Candidate
Ed and his family moved to Northfield in 2020 to be closer to his wife’s family who reside in Winnetka. He and his wife Christine have two kids, ages 5 and 1. Ed has worked in and around agricultural policy at the federal level since 2006. Currently, he is the Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Rural Banking Policy for the American Bankers Association. Prior to joining the American Bankers Association in 2012, Ed worked on the staff of a Member of Congress on the House Agriculture Committee and for the United States Department of Transportation. Ed received
his M.A. from George Washington University and his B.A. from Hamline University. Ed currently serves as the Treasurer for the Friends of Wagner Farm, and as a football coach for New Trier High School. His family is also very involved with Middlefork Tennis Club. He is looking forward to the opportunity to serve the Northfield community in a meaningful way that continues to make Northfield a great place to live, work and a raise a family.
How to Vote By Mail
Any registered voter in Northfield may request a Vote by Mail ballot from the Cook County Clerk’s Office.
The Clerk will begin mailing ballots to those who have requested to Vote by Mail for the 2025 Municipal Election on February 20, 2025. Once a voter receives their Vote by Mail ballot, they must return it with a postmark no later than Election Day (April 1, 2025).
To request a Vote by Mail ballot, go to: Mailvoting.cookcountyclerkil.gov
To apply, you will need:
-Your driver’s license/state identification number OR the last four digits of your Social Security Number
-The address where you would like your ballot mailed