In a Thursday email, Michelle Nelson announced her candidacy in Flossmoor’s mayoral election on April 6, 2021.
“Website and more information about my vision for the village and the vital role we play in the Southland will follow,” Nelson said in the email. “I hope you’ll consider ‘running’ with me to build a better Flossmoor!”
In a Thursday email, Michelle Nelson announced her candidacy in Flossmoor’s mayoral election on April 6, 2021.
“Website and more information about my vision for the village and the vital role we play in the Southland will follow,” Nelson said in the email. “I hope you’ll consider ‘running’ with me to build a better Flossmoor!”
A 17-year Flossmoor resident, Nelson shared her biography with the Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle. It includes a list of her memberships and accomplishments in local organizations and agencies.
Nelson was appointed to the Flossmoor Zoning Board of Appeals in 2009 and continues to serve on that panel. The board considers and recommends appeals of any village ordinance, along with orders regarding the interpretation of zoning regulations.
As treasurer of the founding board of directors of the Homewood Science Center, Nelson created its accounting system and managed a committee tasked with developing financial best practices.
She and her husband, Cameron Nelson, along with friends, co-founded HF Robotics, a volunteer-run, extracurricular, competition-based robotics program for local students.
This year, Nelson established the “Flossmoor Gem” award as a way for neighbors to recognize the kindness of other neighbors and boost community morale.
Following the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nelson worked with Maggie Bachus to support area restaurants by creating a list that let residents know how they could order take-out during the quarantine.
She also created the online series “Spotlight on Flossmoor Small Business,” which highlights local offerings and encourages viewers to support Flossmoor businesses.
She worked with two residents to create the Flossmoor Neighborhood Network as a way to increase communication and a sense of connection across Flossmoor.
Nelson has been involved with and raised money for the Flossmoor Service League, Flossmoor School District 161 PTO, South Suburban PADS and South Suburban Humane Society.
She is an active supporter and donor to the Cancer Support Center, Flossmoor Art Commission, Homewood-Flossmoor District 233 programs, Respond Now, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the Jones Center.
Some might know Nelson from her work as an entertainment coordinator for the Hidden Gem half marathon in 2019.
Nelson earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Following her graduation, she became a commercial construction project manager in the Chicago region and oversaw construction projects and planned for major developments.
Nelson is a parishioner at Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church in Flossmoor. Nelson and her her husband, who is an attorney and member of the District 161 school board, are the parents of four children.
Nelson made an unsuccessful bid for the Flossmoor Village Board in 2019 when she ran as a write-in candidate for a trustee position.