After nearly three decades of service to the Village of Park Forest, Village Manager Tom Mick is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, and community impact.

During Mick's retirement ceremony at Monday night's board meeting, Mick was honored by the mayor, village trustees, staff, and residents who gathered to recognize his 27-year career in local government, including 21 years as Park Forest’s village manager.

“Tom leaves a legacy of excellence as a champion of public service,” said Mayor Joseph A. Woods. “He has helped mentor countless staff members and more than 100 residents through the Civic Leadership Development Academy. His contributions will be felt for generations.”

Mick, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, joined the Village of Park Forest in 1998 as assistant to the village manager. In 2004, he was appointed village manager at the age of 34. Under his leadership, the Village secured hundreds of millions in grant funding, oversaw DownTown redevelopment. Additionally, he was the staff liaison for the Veterans Commission and oversaw the establishment of the Rail Fan Park, which has become a popular destination for train enthusiasts nationwide.

Speaking to the public, Mick reflected on his tenure with gratitude and humility.

“I always tried to set the right example by being professional, ethical, and accountable,” Mick said. “It was critically important to me to know each and every one of the village’s 165-plus employees by name. Those relationships were foundational to the credibility and strength of our organization.”

Several trustees became emotional as they shared personal memories and tributes. Trustee Tiffani Graham described Mick’s departure as “the end of an era,” while fighting back tears.

“Tom, thank you for your years of service, your friendship, and for always showing up with grace and humility,” Graham said. “You have left a lasting imprint on this village and on all of us who have had the honor of working with you.”

Trustee Theresa Settles praised Mick for his guidance and empathy.

“You always included your family in Park Forest activities, and I know the Veterans Commission will truly miss you,” Settles said. “Enjoy this next chapter of your life, my friend.”

Mick also expressed deep appreciation for his family—his wife, Tracy, and children Megan, Tommy, and Aiden—for their unwavering support throughout his demanding career.

“Working in this field is often like being in a fishbowl,” Mick said. “My family was always understanding when I had to leave for early meetings, late nights, or holiday events. Their support made everything possible.”

Trustees praised Mick’s financial stewardship, transparency, and commitment to civic engagement. Trustee Erin Slone emphasized that Mick “embodied what public service should be,” while Trustee Maya Hardy noted the difficulty and emotional energy required to manage a 24/7 role in a diverse, growing community.

Trustee Randle White, who acknowledged past disagreements with Mick, nonetheless expressed respect.

“His integrity and leadership are unmatched,” White said. “I’ve never seen someone face opposition and still remain so steady.”

As part of the evening’s recognition, the Village adopted a formal resolution honoring Mick’s service and noting his many accomplishments. 

He was also recently named the 2025 recipient of the Gregory J. Bielawski Service to the Profession Award by the Illinois Association of Municipal Management for his mentorship and dedication to the field.

Mick’s official retirement date is June 20, 2025. He plans to spend more time with his family, travel, fish, fire up the grill, and continue supporting the Chicago Bears and White Sox.

“I have been proud to be a part of this community, to live in it, and to raise my family here,” Mick said. “For all of that, I am so very thankful.”