New police chief takes over in Mundelein

As the investigation into the fatal shooting of a Mundelein resident by a police officer continues, village officials Monday publicly welcomed a new police chief.

Tom Poynor was promoted from deputy chief to the department’s top job. He succeeds Jason Seeley, who retired Friday after three years as chief and nearly three decades as a police officer in Mundelein.

In a telephone interview Tuesday, Poynor said he’s “truly honored and humbled” for the opportunity to lead the department.

Seeley informed village leaders in March he planned to retire this month, Mayor Robin Meier told the audience at Monday’s village board meeting.

That decision predated the May 11 shooting of Mary Alice Love during an apparent mental health crisis at her family’s home. The shooting, which is being investigated by the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force and the Lake County state’s attorney’s office, prompted public protests and calls for officers involved to be disciplined or fired.

About two dozen people, including Love’s parents, expressed anger and grief over Love’s death at the start of Monday’s board meeting. Several directly addressed Poynor, who — like other officials on the dais — was silent during the remarks.

The board unanimously approved Poynor’s promotion later in the night. Poynor then recited the oath of office with assistance from Village Clerk Karen Walsh. Handshakes with the trustees, Meier and other officials followed.

Poynor’s entire law enforcement career has been in Mundelein. He was hired as a patrol officer in 2007, became an investigator in 2015, was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2018, was named a commander in 2021 and has been deputy chief since 2024.

Poynor said he’s never considered applying for positions in other departments.

Village leaders conducted a regional search for Seeley’s successor. Thirty-two applicants were whittled down to eight candidates for interviews and then to three for a second round of interviews.

“In the end, the entire board felt that Tom brought the qualities and leadership abilities that we want to see in our next chief,” Meier said.

Poynor touted community programs such as citizen police academies, an annual Thanksgiving food drive and the upcoming National Night Out celebration as strengths. More will be developed on his watch, Poynor said.

“I strongly believe strong relationships between the community and the police department are truly the foundation of public safety,” he said.

As chief, Poynor’s starting base salary is $194,316 per year, Guenther said, up from $187,503 a year.