For more than three decades, Kelly Burke has called Evergreen Park home, a community where she now serves as mayor with dedication and passion. A lifelong advocate for public service, Burke’s journey into politics was shaped by years of community involvement, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to improving the village she loves.
“Serving this community is a privilege,” Burke said. “I represent Evergreen Park with integrity, accessibility, and independence. I may not be able to solve every issue, but I will always listen and work to help.”
Burke’s roots trace back to the South Side of Chicago, where she spent much of her childhood at 85th and California.
Though she technically grew up just beyond the Evergreen Park border, the village was always a second home to her. With both grandmothers and several cousins living in Evergreen Park, along with family memberships at Aqua, she spent much of her youth immersed in the community. She attended St. Thomas More grade school before continuing her education at St. Ignatius College Prep, where she balanced academics with athletics, playing softball, basketball, and swimming competitively.
Her academic path led her to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, followed by a Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School in Chicago. It was her legal training, coupled with her deep involvement in community service, that paved the way for her political career.
“I love Evergreen Park and have been active in several volunteer roles,” Burke said.
As a mother, she took on leadership positions as a volleyball coach, Girl Scout leader, and room mom. At Most Holy Redeemer Parish, where her children attended school, she helped provide meals for the Su Casa shelter, started a Mock Trial program for grade school students, and served as an officer in the Women’s Guild.
Her passion for civic engagement grew when she was elected to the Evergreen Park Library Board in 2003, eventually serving as its president. During her tenure, she led a major renovation and expansion of the library, a project completed on time and under budget, working closely with then-Mayor James Sexton.
The experience sparked my desire to further contribute to local government,” Burke said.
Burke’s political career expanded when she was elected as the state representative for the 36th District in 2011, a role she held for 13 years. Representing Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Worth, Palos Hills, Palos Park, and parts of Chicago, she gained a reputation as a common-sense problem solver who prioritized residents’ interests and safety.
She later served as a Village Trustee for two years before being elected Mayor of Evergreen Park.
Under Burke’s leadership, Evergreen Park has remained fiscally stable with an excellent credit rating while also attracting new businesses, both large and small.
“I prioritize essential services for residents and takes pride in the village’s well-respected police and fire departments,” she said.
Beyond governance, she has focused on engaging young residents with local government. Whether hosting scout troops at Village Hall, arranging career-focused meetings for high school and college students, or attending school events and career fairs, she is committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders.
She also developed a love for tennis, a sport she continues to play today, along with the increasingly popular pickleball at Evergreen Park’s High School sports complex and local parks.
However, one of her most vital roles as mayor is inspiring today’s youth.
“I want kids to know the good things their Village government can do,” she said.
As Evergreen Park continues to grow and evolve, Burke remains dedicated to fostering a community where residents feel heard, valued, and supported. Her journey from community volunteer to mayor is a testament to the power of local engagement and the impact of unwavering leadership.
Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of stories highlighting the accomplishments of local women in honor of Women’s History Month
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