The Homer Glen Village Board voted Monday to appoint Robert Schaller, a real estate broker and former police chief, as its new trustee, filling one of two vacancies on the board.

Schaller worked for the Willowbrook Police Department for 28 years, including five years as police chief. For the last two years, he has been a real estate broker in Orland Park.

Schaller said his extensive background in government will make him an effective board member, and said he’s worked hand in hand with various municipal departments during his tenure in Willowbrook. Schaller said he is confident and ready to get to work on the Homer Glen Village Board.

“I’m hitting the ground running,” he said.

As a police chief, he managed a $4.7 million budget and 27 officers, implemented policies and served on professional organizations, including the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Association and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

As a real estate broker, he said he understands development and economic issues, so he will be able to offer guidance on village projects and policies.

Schaller said Homer Glen’s economic plan should reflect the village’s goals and what residents want.

“It’s the residents who drive what goes on,” Schaller said.

Schaller, who is married with two children, has been a Homer Glen resident for 12 years.

“I want to give back and be a voice on how the village moves forward,” Schaller said. “You have to stick within our village codes and do what’s best for the village as a whole. That’s what you are here for, to do what’s best for the village.”

He has a bachelor’s of arts degree in criminal justice from Governors State University and graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy and the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.

Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike said his background was impressive.

“He cares about the community and keeping the community safe,” Neitzke-Troike said. “He aligns with Homer Glen values.”

She said Schaller met with several of the board members, who liked his demeanor and knowledge of local issues, including the village’s positions against the widening of 143rd Street and the desire to lower water bills.

Schaller will serve the remainder of Trustee Craig McNaughton’s term, which ends in 2027. McNaughton, who was elected in 2023, resigned in April due to conflicts with work. Neitzke-Troike said about 25 people showed interest in the position, and board members interviewed 10 people.

The Village Board will also select a new trustee to replace Sue Steilen, who resigned in May after being elected as Homer Township supervisor. Her replacement will likely come by the end of July, Neitzke-Troike said.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.