The proposed executive slate for the Lake Forest Caucus was overwhelmingly approved by the organization’s general membership for the 2026–27 term.
The slate — recommended by the Caucus Committee — received 89 % approval, with 219 members voting in favor and 26 opposed during the March 16 election at the Gorton Community Center.
The new leadership team will be led by Scott Nehls, who is scheduled to assume the presidency on April 7. Nehls, a Lake Forest resident since October 2020, said he has been involved with the Caucus for approximately 3½ years.
More Top Picks Best Hydration Packs For Runners
Nehls currently serves as vice president and will take on the customary one-year term as president. He succeeds Regina Etherton.
Other members of the executive team include Tom Bohac as vice president, Greg Pike as treasurer, Dave Craigmile as secretary, Bert Carstens overseeing fundraising, Larry Obermeyer handling internal communications, and Nick Tatro leading external communications.
The lopsided vote stands in contrast to several recent internal Caucus elections in which the general membership rejected committee-backed proposals, including two recent measures that would have allowed alternative voting methods in addition to in-person voting.
The new leadership team will be tasked with preparing for the 2027 municipal elections, including endorsing a candidate for mayor. Incumbent Stanford “Randy” Tack is set to step down next year after serving the traditional two two-year terms.
Founded in 1935, the Lake Forest Caucus vets residents interested in serving on city boards and commissions and endorses candidates for local offices, including mayor, City Council, and the city’s two local public school boards.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.