East Village Association officers 2017-2018

Michael VanDam.

Michael VanDam, president

I've lived in East Village for more than 8 years, and in Chicago for more than 20. I grew up in Michigan and attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, before coming back to the Midwest. Living on Chicago Avenue, I'm particularly interested in promoting responsible development on the commercial corridors of East Village.

Michele Hayward.

Michael Hayward, vice president

I'm a 25-year resident of Chicago; my husband and I chose to settle in the neighborhood in 2003. A few years back we were fortunate to become the stewards of the Lincoln Bath House and shepherd a bit of Chicago’s architectural history into a modern use. I’m a longtime local business owner (Bluedog Design) with roots in the Chicago food scene, and serving a second term on the board of the Everwood Foundation for the Arts. Chat me up about the history of Chicago’s municipal bathhouses, the joys of running a business, the need for a vibrant business community, the art scene or your favorite band.

Michele Gansle.

Michele Gansle, treasurer

Michele fills the unexpired term of Peter Gariepy.

Neal McKnight.

Neal McKnight, secretary

I was EVA's president from 2013 to 2015 after co-chairing the Planning, Preservation & Development committee. As a founding partner of the law firm McKnight, Kitzinger, McCarty & Pravdic, I have a unique understanding of Chicago’s diverse communities and the culture of Chicago’s legal community.

Brian Foote.

Brian Foote

After living in the immediate area for the last 15 years, I purchased a small workman's cottage in the East Village landmark district in 2013. I joined EVA initially as a member of the Planning, Preservation and Development committee. As an architect I’m drawn to the history and character of the neighborhood and its buildings. I want to see that character survive and thrive within the city. EVA has been a great way to meet my neighbors and great resource of knowledge into the community and its history.

Dan Johnson

Daniel R. Johnson

My wife, Julia, and I bought a house on Winchester built more than a century ago. We have two young daughters and enjoy walking around the neighborhood, playing at Commercial Park and eating lunch at the local restaurants. I'm interested in preserving and enhancing the qualities of the neighborhood that drew us here. I'm a graduate of Amherst College and Northwestern University law school and I'm a litigation partner at a law firm.

Stephen Rynkiewicz.

Stephen Rynkiewicz

During 20 years living steps from swanky Division Street, working with my EVA neighbors has made a difference in the neighborhood's beautification, development, preservation, safety, schools and transportation. Also, mourning doves finally have replaced the pigeons in our garden. I'm a web designer and writer, and EVA's webmaster, newsletter editor and Polish Triangle Coalition representative.

Anne Shaw.

Anne Shaw

Anne Shaw, a past EVA vice president, owns a legal practice that centers around taking care of families and the businesses that support them. Shaw led a 2011 effort to save the Wood Street police station and was a volunteer commissioner for the Cook County Board of Ethics.

Tom Tomek.

Tom Tomek

I’ve resided on Winchester Avenue in East Village for 30 years. I'm very interested in our neighborhood and the local school community. I’ve been owner & principle at Tomek Design & Illustration since 1994 and a real estate broker with Ask Nagel Realty. I’m a 15-year member of the Chicago Police CAPS program. I’ve served as East Village Neighbors President, LaSalle II Elementary School PTO President and Local School Council board member. Sensitivity to intelligent development and respect to the architectural history of our neighborhood are priorities.

Tom Tomek business card
Anselmo @properties business card,
Ask Nagel business card.

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