About Mike Fortner

Fast facts:

Solid, conservative Republican
47 years old
Family man
Married 17 years to Rebecca C. Hall
Two children: Elizabeth (13) and Charles (10)
B.S. in Math and Physics, Carleton College (MN)
M.A. and Ph.D. in Physics, Brandeis University (MA)
Northern Illinois University since 1987:
- Researcher at Fermilab National Laboratory
- Teaching since 1993
- Associate Professor since 2004

Mike Fortner was born in Chicago, and moved with his family throughout the Midwest, settling finally in Minnesota. He went to Carleton College in Minnesota, earning a Bachelors of Science in both Math and Physics, and continued on to graduate school in physics at Brandeis University in Massachusetts. His post-doctoral position brought him back to Illinois in 1987. After marrying in 1988, Mike and Becky found more than just a house when they bought their first home in West Chicago. They found a community where they could put down roots and grow.

Mike started his public service in 1990 with a position on the Historic Preservation Commission in West Chicago, serving as a member and later as the president. In 1991 he was appointed to the Plan Commission as well. In 1994 he was appointed to the West Chicago Elementary School District #33 Board, which required his resignation from the Plan Commission. Later that same year he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of First Ward Alderman.

Leadership in West Chicago

Mayor of West Chicago, 2001 to present
First Ward Alderman, 1994 to 2001
Board member, West Chicago Elementary School District #33, 1994
Plan Commissioner, 1991 to 1994
Historic Preservation Commissioner, 1990 to 1993

Leadership in the Region

Director of Transportation Policy, DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, 2001 to present
Co-Chair STAR Line Commuter Rail Task Force, 2001 to present
Member of Education Reform Task Force, Metropolitan Mayors’ Caucus, 2002 to present
Charter member Metro West Council of Governments, 2005
Alternate Delegate to Chicago Area Transportation Study (CATS) Council of Mayors, 2005

Leadership in the Republican Party

Elected Precinct Committeeman, 1996 to present
Winfield Township Republican Secretary, 1998 to 2002
Chair, Winfield Township Republicanism Committee, 2002 to present

Leadership in the Community

Treasurer (and Past President) West Chicago Lions Club, 1998 to present
Life Deacon and former Moderator First Congregational Church of West Chicago
Trustee for the Foundation for Educational Excellence
Member West Chicago Elementary School District #33 Long Range Planning Committee
2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Kids Instructor 1998 to present