A Historic First for Illinois Leadership
Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin has made history. She is now the first Black woman elected president of the Illinois Municipal League (IML) in its 112-year history. The moment came during the league’s annual conference at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, one of the group’s most attended gatherings to date.
Chalmers-Currin, who has served as Matteson’s mayor since 2017, said breaking this barrier is both an honor and a responsibility. “Here’s an opportunity to not only break open the door but to hold that door open so that others will follow,” she shared.
Building Bridges Across Communities
The Illinois Municipal League represents more than 1,000 municipalities, from small rural towns to large cities. Chalmers-Currin emphasized that her role will be about bringing diverse voices to the table. She often reminds people that what happens in one community impacts surrounding towns.
“The village of Matteson is not an island,” she explained. “We’re all connected. What affects Matteson affects all the other communities around us.” Her inclusive approach is one she has practiced for years, even hosting bipartisan dinners where she asks guests to “leave politics in the driveway.”
From Matteson to Statewide Leadership
Chalmers-Currin’s path to leadership was shaped by her experience rebuilding Matteson during challenging times. When she became mayor, the community was struggling after big-box stores like Target and Walgreens left, and the demolition of Lincoln Mall left a gap in the local economy.
She worked with her team to stabilize the village and attract new growth. Her leadership experience extends further—she was the first woman mayor of Matteson, the first Black woman to serve as director of the Illinois Fire and Police Commission, and now the first Black woman to head IML.
Priorities for the Illinois Municipal League
As president, Chalmers-Currin plans to focus on issues that touch every community. These include managing body camera mandates for police, addressing Chicago-area transit, replacing lead pipes, supporting education funding, and pushing for a third major airport in Illinois.
However, she stressed that no single initiative outweighs the others. “When the state of Illinois does well as a whole, we all do well,” she said. Her leadership style, shaped by collaboration, will aim to unite rural and urban communities as well as leaders from different political parties.
Women Leading Together
Chalmers-Currin also highlighted the importance of women’s leadership at the league. For the first time, three women hold top positions at IML: Chalmers-Currin as president, Rita Ali of Peoria as second vice president, and Deborah Feinen of Champaign as past president.
“It’s a good opportunity to see women in leadership, and you’ve got to talk about the idea that for 112 years that hasn’t happened,” she noted. While challenges remain—since mayors are the only ones eligible for leadership and women often face barriers to winning mayoral roles—she believes her appointment proves change is possible.
A Legacy of Service and Inspiration
Beyond politics, Chalmers-Currin’s leadership is deeply personal. She draws on her roots in both Chicago and rural Tennessee, giving her a dual perspective on urban and rural challenges. She also values mentorship and collaboration, crediting past IML leaders for guiding her journey.
Her new role signals a wider recognition of the south and southwest suburbs, areas that often balance small-town values with big-city issues. For many, her election is a source of pride. “It means a lot,” said Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan.
Chalmers-Currin hopes to use her platform not only to shape policy but also to inspire the next generation of leaders. Her words capture her vision: “Being first comes with a great responsibility and you want to make sure that you do it the right way.”
