Joanne Johnson chosen for vacant Buffalo Grove trustee seat

Buffalo Grove Village President Beverly Sussman will put forth planning and zoning Commissioner Joanne Johnson for the vacant village board seat, she announced Friday.

The village board is expected to make the appointment on June 15.

Johnson has served on the Planning & Zoning Commission as well as the Buffalo Grove Days Committee since 2011, and has held other volunteer posts in the community.

Johnson, who ran for trustee in 2009 and whose husband Chuck Johnson is a former trustee, was selected from among eight candidates. If appointed, she will fill the seat - which belonged to Sussman before she was elected mayor - until April 2017.

Her experience working with individuals with diverse perspectives and understanding development trends were cited as key considerations in Sussman's selection.

"We were very impressed with Joanne's experience, credentials and presentation," Sussman said in a statement Friday afternoon. She brings a unique perspective to the board which we believe will be invaluable as we move forward."

Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with a minor in business from Valparaiso University.

"Joanne's experience and background will complement the board and provide for a well-rounded team," Trustee Jeffrey Berman added in the news release. "The process worked well and I am confident the board will confirm President Sussman's excellent choice to appoint her to this important role."

Johnson stated, "With this nomination, President Sussman and the Village Trustees have placed an enormous amount of trust in me for which I am honored. Service to community has always been a big part of my life and I believe that those experiences will help me better serve the residents of Buffalo Grove. I look forward to working as a team with the Village Board, President, and staff."

If the appointment is approved by a majority on June 15, Johnson will be sworn in that evening.

Sussman will also present board, committee and commission volunteer appointments on June 15, and indicated she intends to fill Johnson's seat on the Planning & Zoning Commission by appointing Adam Moodhe, who also competed for the trustee position.