Endorsed Candidates for Park District Board

Mary Ann Chambers

Growing up in Northbrook where "Neighbors become friends in the Parks!" I made my first and now oldest and dearest friend in the Village Green Park when I was 8 years old. The Northbrook Park District is at the center of community life. My parents were great advocates for the Northbrook Park District and instilled in me a deep commitment to community service. My husband and I chose to raise our family in Northbrook. Activities revolved around our kids, families, church, and community.

Quick facts: Grew up in Northbrook; University of Illinois Grad, Agronomy; raised my family (3 children who are now adults!) in Northbrook; Semi-retired; Trustee Ilinois Association of Park Districts; incumbent Northbrook Park District Commissioner. Appointed to the Illinois Natural Resources Advisory Board by Governor Pritzker in May 2026.

Volunteering in various organizations throughout Northbrook has provided meaningful opportunity to give back to the community that gave so much to 3 generations of the Chambers family. These experiences and relationships strengthen and support my commitment to the Northbrook Park District. It has been my privilege to serve on the Park Board for several terms. I have held leadership positions on the Board, serving as Vice President and President. I have benefitted from the mentoring of commissioners who came before and served with me. In turn, I am mentoring new commissioners and appreciate their vision and enthusiasm as the Board works to build the future of the Northbrook Park District.

Throughout my time on the Park Board, I have utilized my experiences and understanding as an Agronomist, real estate professional, Park District Patron, mother and most recently grandmother in every project and issue presented to the Board during my tenure.

I've been actively involved in two Comprehensive Master Plan Processes and just started working on the third Comprehensive plan in September. Top community priorities such as Techny Prairie Activity Center, Northbrook Community Center, Heritage Oaks Clubhouse and driving range, Meadow Hill Aquatic Center Renovation, along with neighborhood park renovations have been completed during the recent 10 year plan. This new Comp Plan will be a road map to the future for the Park District. It’s exciting to prepare for the future, planning new places, spaces and programs where neighbors become friends in the park!

Edward Chao

I have lived in Northbrook for thirteen years. My wife and I have three kids, ages 15, 13 and 8. Our family is active in hockey, soccer, basketball and tennis and are regular users of West Park and Northbrook Sports Center. Growing up some of my fondest memories and greatest influences came from participating in sports. I believe in the value and importance of physical activity for the development of our children and for adults in maintaining physical and mental health. I have enjoyed coaching my children’s Park District soccer and basketball teams and I love seeing kids learn and grow through physical activity.

In the past four years, I have enjoyed serving as a Commissioner for the Northbrook Park District. It has been wonderful being part of renovating the parks, playgrounds, fields, pools and facilities. I have enjoyed engaging and serving our community through the park district. My involvement has re-affirmed my belief in the park district's role in providing the places and activities for all to maintain physical and mental health.

Professionally, I work as an IT Senior Manager for Exelon Corporation. I have an engineering background with a graduate business degree from Northwestern University.

David Silverman

David Silverman is a 25 year resident of Northbrook. He and his wife, Rachel, raised three children here, all graduates of GBN, as well as college graduates.

Professionally, David is an Equity Partner at the law firm, Ancel Glink, P.C. in Chicago. He specializes in local government, land use, and economic development law. His law firm represents park districts and other units of local government throughout Illinois. Ancel Glink is very involved with and has a long standing relationship with the Illinois Association of Park Districts. David understands his role will be as a park district commissioner and not as a park district attorney. David's experience as a local government attorney will inform his service as a park district commissioner.

David is a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and prior to his career as an attorney was a practicing planner, first in Detroit and then Chicago. David's professional experience as a practicing planner, gives him a significant appreciation for the importance of parks as community resources, but also as opportunities to enhance neighborhood amenities and overall community livability.

David enjoys outdoor pursuits including backpacking and camping, golfing, sailing and playing tennis.