PRESS RELEASE | DATED: MAY 28, 2025
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, former Village Trustee Janine Witko was sworn in as the new Mayor and Village President of the Village of Morton Grove, marking the beginning of her four-year term in office. The ceremony was attended by local officials, community leaders, residents, and family members. Mayor Witko ran unopposed in the 2025 Consolidated Election on April 1, 2025, alongside fellow incumbent Board members Trustee Saba Khan, Trustee Ashur Shiba, Trustee Connie Travis, and Clerk Eileen Scanlon Harford. Mayor Witko is the first woman to be elected as Morton Grove’s Mayor.
“I am humbled and excited to accept this challenge, and I look forward to continuing the great progress we have made as a community,” said Mayor Witko.
Mayor Witko has a long history of civic service in Morton Grove. She has served the Village as a Trustee since October 2013, when she was appointed by then Mayor Daniel DiMaria to fill a vacancy left by former Trustee Tony Kalogerakos. Prior to becoming a Trustee, she served on the Village’s Economic Development Commission from 2008 to 2012 and the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals from 2012 until her appointment as Trustee. She also served on Park View Elementary School’s PTO from 2009 to 2012.
Mayor Witko moved to Morton Grove as a teenager in 1990. She was attracted to Morton Grove’s great schools, community infrastructure, recreational opportunities, and open space. In her professional life, she has managed accounting departments for various companies and currently serves as the Director of Operations at Equipment International in Morton Grove. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from DePaul University in Chicago.
With a background in business and extensive experience in economic development and planning projects as a Village official, Mayor Witko brings a results-driven approach to municipal leadership. She plans to continue and enhance the high level of public services the Village is known for. Over the past several years, she has played a key role in advancing initiatives that have strengthened the local economy, attracted new businesses, and improved long-term planning. As Mayor, she plans build on this foundation by championing policies that foster business growth and encourage new investment in the Village. She views the revitalization of Dempster Street as Morton Grove’s next major task and is excited to take on the challenge.
At the Board meeting, outgoing Mayor DiMaria and members of the community congratulated Mayor Witko. After twelve years of service as Mayor, DiMaria announced in 2024 that he would not run for re-election. He has consistently expressed confidence in Mayor Witko’s leadership, saying “I know I’m leaving Morton Grove in great hands.”
Issued by:
Charles L. Meyer, Village Administrator
Village of Morton Grove
6101 Capulina Avenue
Morton Grove, Illinois 60053
847-663-3001