Comments from the Mayor

Whereas, Dr. Gayles Evans was appointed to the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners in January, 2009 and has served continuously on that Commission for the past 15 years; and

Whereas, in 2016 Dr. Evans was appointed as Chair and continued to serve in that role until her resignation on October 17, 2024; and

Whereas, Dr. Evans brought to her position a vast array of educational, professional and personal accomplishments that led her to become an effective and empathetic leader who showed great concern for the well-being of clients and staff, as well as her fellow board members; and

Whereas, Dr. Evans volunteered many hours working alongside staff on various projects, quickly becoming an asset and a welcomed member of the team; and  

Whereas, in her role as Chair, Dr. Evans was the consummate role model who was always willing to lead by example and was quick to be actively involved in any event or program carried out by the Commission; and

Whereas, Dr. Evans is well respected by past and present members of the Commission.  She has always operated with the Village’s best interests at heart and has helped to maintain the reputation of the Housing Authority; and

Whereas, her sphere of influence has been immense as a person with decades of involvement in Higher Education, the American Conservatory of Music, her church affiliations, the National Library Association, the National Association of Professional Women, and The Oxford Roundtable.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Park Forest that Dr. Gayles Evans is offered the warmest, and most sincere appreciation of the Board and the residents of the Village for her 15 years of excellent service as a member of the Park Forest Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.  BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the community is a much better place to live because of her longstanding efforts to promote decent, safe and sanitary housing as well as harmony, respect and appreciation across all of Park Forest.

PROCLAIMED this 28^th day of October 2024