After a thorough application and interview process, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen has appointed Minal Desai, the vice president of the Skokie Park District Board, as the new village clerk. Desai was chosen out of 15 applicants and five finalists, demonstrating her exceptional qualifications for the role. She succeeds Pramod Shah, who held the position from 2013 until his retirement announcement in December 2023.
Desai expressed her gratitude and commitment at her swearing-in ceremony, vowing to work diligently and to the best of her abilities. Mayor Van Dusen commended Desai’s extensive involvement in Skokie’s public affairs, particularly her five years on the Skokie Park District Board, and her impressive business experience, which aligns with the responsibilities of the village clerk.
The village clerk in Skokie is an elected full-time position with four-year terms and an annual salary of $87,000. As per the village code, the mayor appoints the successor when a clerk retires mid-term, subject to the village board’s approval. The board voted almost unanimously to approve Desai’s appointment, with Trustee James Johnson abstaining due to his application for the position and plans to run for it in the 2025 election.
Desai’s qualifications extend beyond her public service experience. As per her application, she currently serves as the vice president of the Skokie Park District board and has been employed by a Chicago logistics company since 2019. Prior to that, she worked as a business consultant in Skokie for nine years. Desai’s multilingual abilities, with proficiency in Gujarati, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindu, and Urdu, are a valuable asset in her role as village clerk.
The village clerk of Skokie holds significant responsibilities, primarily related to elections. They oversee voter registration, process requests for lost voter registration, and provide referrals to the village’s agencies. Desai’s appointment brings a fresh perspective and expertise to this crucial position.
