Elected Officials
Meet the elected officials who serve Thornton Township residents with dedication, transparency, and accountability.
Thornton Township’s elected officials are dedicated public servants committed to working for the best interests of the community. With a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and service, they ensure that township programs and resources are accessible, effective, and responsive to residents’ needs.
Casey Nesbit
Casey Nesbit, a Harvey native, brings decades of engineering expertise and civic leadership to her role as Township Clerk. A mechanical engineer with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, she was elected to the Harvey Public Schools District 152 School Board in 2017 and re-elected in 2021.
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Cassandra Holbert-Elston
Cassandra Holbert-Elston has spent over five decades building a distinguished career in government, public service, and community advocacy. First elected Thornton Township Assessor in 2011, she champions fair and accurate property assessments for residents across the township. In 2023, she was elected to the School Board of District 149.
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Antwon T. Russell
With over 15 years of devoted public service, Antwon T. Russell is a lifelong Thornton Township resident born and raised in Harvey, Illinois. As Highway Commissioner, he is committed to delivering efficient infrastructure, well-maintained roadways, and a community-first approach to township services.
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Byron Stanley
Manager of Classification and Compensation at Cook County’s Bureau of Human Resources overseeing 25,000+ employees, Byron Stanley brings deep financial and public administration expertise to his Trustee role. Holds dual master’s degrees from Governors State University.
Valeria Stubbs
A 24-year Dolton resident and former Village of Dolton Trustee, Valeria Stubbs is a dedicated advocate for economic development, infrastructure investment, and transparent governance. Recipient of President Biden’s Volunteer Service Award and the 2023 Illinois Senate Certificate of Recognition.
Mary Avant
A 27-year Dolton resident and retired Chicago Police Detective, Mary Avant founded the Advisory Committee to the People’s Trustees and led the “Take Thornton Township Back!” initiative. As Trustee, she advocates for transparency, responsible spending, and government accountability.
