Candidates for Library Board
Bryce Budin
Bryce Budin has been a dedicated Northbrook community member for over 10 years, and is honored to have the opportunity to support the important mission of the library and serve the community. As a wife and mother of children at NBJH and Westmoor, she understands the importance of a strong library system in fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning.
With 20 years of experience as an attorney, Bryce specializes in technology transactions, intellectual property, data security, and generative AI and machine learning. In the early part of her career, her practice focused on patent litigation, representing some of the largest companies in complex multi-patent cases. Bryce received her Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Bryce’s experience equips her with a unique perspective on the evolving role of libraries in the digital age, and she is committed to ensuring they remain relevant and accessible to all. Bryce recognizes that the Northbrook library plays an important role in our community far beyond a repository of books. It is a vibrant center of learning, culture, and community engagement. She believes that as a trustee, she can meaningfully contribute to shaping the direction of the library to ensure it continues to serve as a valuable resource for generations to come.
Nimesh Patel
Nimesh Patel and his wife, Vinita Patel, have lived in Northbrook since 2013. Our twin boys currently attend Glenbrook North High School and we've all enjoyed regularly visiting the Northbrook Public Library over the years and the many amenities available there.
Nimesh was born in Midland, Michigan and also grew up in southeastern Connecticut, near Mystic. After graduating with an Electrical Engineering degree from Michigan State University, I worked in technical sales and marketing roles within the semiconductor industry, moving from Dallas to Boston before receiving my MBA at the University of Chicago in 2006. I’ve focused on product and operational management roles within mid-sized companies. Since 2016, I have been a Director at Convergint Technologies, LLC, a global systems integrator that partners with manufacturers to design, install and service a wide variety of security solutions for enterprise customers.
I currently serve as a trustee of the Northbrook Public Library, after being appointed to fill a vacancy last year. Listening, reviewing information, and helping make strategic decisions to improve the overall experience for library staff and patrons in our community is something I consider a privilege.
Barbara Unikel
Barbara Unikel has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Northbrook Public Library for the past four years and would be honored to serve another term. She has spent her professional career as an educator. She has been a 5th grade teacher at Willowbrook School in Northbrook District 30, , Principal of South School in Glencoe, District 35, and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in Northbrook School District 27. After retiring from public education, she became Vice President of Education at The Chicago Children’s Museum. She currently is a coach/mentor to new school administrators.
Barbara holds a Doctorate in Leadership and Administration from Loyola University and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from National Louis University.
She has lived in Northbrook for 17 years. She is married to Dr. John Pacay and together they have four children and five grandchildren.
Barbara believes that her educational and professional background enables her to bring a distinctive perspective and skill set as the Northbrook Library deals with current issues and anticipates future needs and wants.