Name: James Berger
Office: Finance & Facilities Committee, Library Services & Community Relations Committee
Term: 2011-2015
After working for 28 years at the Bank of Lincolnwood, Jim retired as executive vice president. He has also served on the boards of numerous organizations, including several terms as president of the Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce, most recently from 2003-2008.
1. How long have you lived in Lincolnwood? Where did you grow up?
I moved here in January 1984, so a little over 29 years now, but I grew up in Indiana, just across the Illinois/Indiana border. It was a steel mill and oil refinery town. I went to Indiana University, majored in accounting, got my CPA, and moved to Chicago in the 1970s.
2. What do you think has been the biggest accomplishment of the Board of Trustees during your tenure?
Probably the expansion of the library, which started before my time as a trustee, and watching the library grow to be an accepted, viable force in the village. The board and the library’s director have a forward-looking vision.
3. What is your favorite thing about the Lincolnwood community? What are some of your outside interests?
My favorite thing about Lincolnwood is the atmosphere that encourages participation in the village government. As well as its proximity to everything in the world (like downtown, the airport, and any part of Chicago), I like that it maintains a suburban quality of life. Some of my hobbies are traveling, reading just about anything, sports, and music (listening to blues and rock music, I can’t play or sing!). Last year we spent three weeks on a cruise down the Italian and Spanish coasts then crossed the Atlantic. It was wonderful.
4. What is your favorite resource or program that the Library offers?
This may sound corny, but I think it’s the people that work there. And I mean that. I’m not the most technologically advanced person but I don’t feel like I’m ever ill at ease. No matter whom I ask the question of, they manage to get me to the right place or right resource.
