Spring Hill Mall manager named new Carpentersville trustee

Spring Hill Mall manager Denise Richardson is the newest member of the Carpentersville village board.

Richardson, 58, was recently appointed to fill the two years remaining on John O'Sullivan's term. O'Sullivan stepped down in February when he was named village manager.

"To be part of the village board is an awesome thing," Richardson said, adding she was grateful for the support from fellow trustees.

Richardson, who grew up in Elgin, has lived in Carpentersville for the last 11 years and most recently served on the village board's business development board.

"She brings a lot to (the village board)," Village President John Skillman said.

Richardson began working as a receptionist at Spring Hill Mall in October of 2021 and became the mall's general manager that November when the previous general manager left.

The mall, which is in both West Dundee and Carpentersville, is largely vacant. West Dundee trustees recently approved the purchase of the shuttered Macy's and Sears buildings and have expressed interest in purchasing the rest of the mall to help spur redevelopment.

Richardson said she plans to continue working at the mall but will recuse herself from any votes related to it.

"I have to be neutral," said Richardson.

She added she checked with New York-based Kohan Retail Investment Group, which owns the mall, to ensure there would be no conflict with her employment before accepting the trustee position.

Richardson said she is uncertain if she will seek election once the unexpired two-year term is complete.