Candidates
Vote for our outstanding candidates at the Consolidated Election. Take advantage of Vote-by-Mail or Early Voting. If not, vote at your local precinct on Tuesday, April 6.
2021 Democrats of Northfield Township Candidates
Endorsed Township Slate
Shiva Mohsenzadeh: Supervisor
Caryn Fliegler: Clerk
Alida Nally: Assessor
Scott Ottenheimer: Trustee
Vince Pace: Trustee
Daniel Schack: Trustee
Kate Spears: Trustee
Click on picture for bio
Shiva Mohsenzadeh
Candidate for Northfield Township Supervisor
A resident of Glenview for the past 10 years, Shiva Mohsenzadeh has served as a Northfield Township Trustee since her election in 2017. As chief of staff to State Senator Laura Fine, Shiva has over a decade of experience in state government in constituent advocacy and community outreach, as well as in developing policies that drive efficiency and make life better for residents. Prior to her work in government, Shiva advised Fortune 500 companies in corporate and securities law matters for Baker McKenzie LLP. Shiva is a graduate from the prestigious Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership (IWIL) founded by Loretta Durbin, as well as the bi-partisan Edgar Fellows program founded by former Gov. Jim Edgar. Outside of work, Shiva is passionate about giving back to the local community and served as Chair of the Glenview Education Foundation. She also completed the Leadership Glenview program, is a member of the Glenview District 34 PTA Council, and the League of Women Voters of Glenview-Glencoe. Shiva left her parents and moved to the U.S. from Iran when she was fifteen years old to pursue her education. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas in Austin and her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Shiva and her husband have two energetic young boys who attend Glen Grove and Attea Schools. Shiva loves the outdoors and enjoys camping and hiking with her family.
A resident of Glenview for the past 10 years, Shiva Mohsenzadeh has served as a Northfield Township Trustee since her election in 2017. As chief of staff to State Senator Laura Fine, Shiva has over a decade of experience in state government in constituent advocacy and community outreach, as well as in developing policies that drive efficiency and make life better for residents. Prior to her work in government, Shiva advised Fortune 500 companies in corporate and securities law matters for Baker McKenzie LLP. Shiva is a graduate from the prestigious Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership (IWIL) founded by Loretta Durbin, as well as the bi-partisan Edgar Fellows program founded by former Gov. Jim Edgar. Outside of work, Shiva is passionate about giving back to the local community and served as Chair of the Glenview Education Foundation. She also completed the Leadership Glenview program, is a member of the Glenview District 34 PTA Council, and the League of Women Voters of Glenview-Glencoe. Shiva left her parents and moved to the U.S. from Iran when she was fifteen years old to pursue her education. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas in Austin and her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Shiva and her husband have two energetic young boys who attend Glen Grove and Attea Schools. Shiva loves the outdoors and enjoys camping and hiking with her family.
Caryn Fliegler
Candidate for Clerk
With a focus on building strong communities, Caryn Fliegler has spent much of her professional and personal volunteer life focused on improving community health, safety, and education. Caryn manages grants at The Josselyn Center, a Community Mental Health Center based in Northfield, and prior to that Caryn worked in communications and talent acquisition for the national education non-profit TNTP. Caryn also serves as the statewide co-lead for the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, one of the country’s largest chapters with more than 30,000 members. She sits on Makom Solel Lakeside synagogue’s board of directors, where she recently organized a Virtual Day of Action, and has worked as a precinct captain with Democrats of Northfield Township. As a former co-leader for Northbrook Girls on the Run and parent of two middle schoolers in Glenview/Northbrook School District 30, Caryn enjoys using physical activity and dynamic discussions to inspire confidence in children of all genders. She serves on the Parent/Teacher Advisory Council for Maple School and grew up in Chicago's northern suburbs as the daughter of two teachers. She has lived in Northbrook for nearly a decade with her husband and two children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Journalism from Columbia University.
With a focus on building strong communities, Caryn Fliegler has spent much of her professional and personal volunteer life focused on improving community health, safety, and education. Caryn manages grants at The Josselyn Center, a Community Mental Health Center based in Northfield, and prior to that Caryn worked in communications and talent acquisition for the national education non-profit TNTP. Caryn also serves as the statewide co-lead for the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, one of the country’s largest chapters with more than 30,000 members. She sits on Makom Solel Lakeside synagogue’s board of directors, where she recently organized a Virtual Day of Action, and has worked as a precinct captain with Democrats of Northfield Township. As a former co-leader for Northbrook Girls on the Run and parent of two middle schoolers in Glenview/Northbrook School District 30, Caryn enjoys using physical activity and dynamic discussions to inspire confidence in children of all genders. She serves on the Parent/Teacher Advisory Council for Maple School and grew up in Chicago's northern suburbs as the daughter of two teachers. She has lived in Northbrook for nearly a decade with her husband and two children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Journalism from Columbia University.
Alida Nally
Candidate for Assessor
Committed to making sure property values are “right and fair,” Alida Nally is a passionate taxpayer advocate for homeowners and currently serves as Northfield Township’s Deputy Assessor. A Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO) and former real estate appraiser with 23 years of experience in valuation, Alida was a small business owner who ran Landmark Appraisal, a real estate appraisal management company. Prior to her work as an appraiser, Alida worked in financial services as an Assistant Vice President for First National Bank of Chicago. A resident of Glenview for the last 23 years, Alida grew up in the Boston area and is a graduate of Stonehill College with a degree in business finance. Active in the community, Alida served as Treasurer of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Women’s Club and is a proud member of Guild 6. Alida is a proud parent of three fantastic adult children and she and her husband remain dedicated fundraisers for their children’s schools: Loyola Academy, Regina Dominican High School, and Fordham University. Alida considers herself a valuation “geek” and loves digging into what drives property value.
Committed to making sure property values are “right and fair,” Alida Nally is a passionate taxpayer advocate for homeowners and currently serves as Northfield Township’s Deputy Assessor. A Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO) and former real estate appraiser with 23 years of experience in valuation, Alida was a small business owner who ran Landmark Appraisal, a real estate appraisal management company. Prior to her work as an appraiser, Alida worked in financial services as an Assistant Vice President for First National Bank of Chicago. A resident of Glenview for the last 23 years, Alida grew up in the Boston area and is a graduate of Stonehill College with a degree in business finance. Active in the community, Alida served as Treasurer of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Women’s Club and is a proud member of Guild 6. Alida is a proud parent of three fantastic adult children and she and her husband remain dedicated fundraisers for their children’s schools: Loyola Academy, Regina Dominican High School, and Fordham University. Alida considers herself a valuation “geek” and loves digging into what drives property value.
Scott Ottenheimer
Candidate for Trustee
Scott is a Vice President at QBE Insurance Group, a top 20 insurance and reinsurance company, and also a practicing real estate broker. He is always looking for ways to improve bottom-line performance by identifying cost-reduction strategies and implementing business process redesign. By partnering with stakeholders and clients around the world, Scott's data-driven approach and innovative methodologies have delivered value to non-profits, insurance companies, law firms, hospitals, and many Fortune 500 organizations worldwide. Scott is also the Treasurer and Vice President-elect of the Board of Trustees for the Williams Syndrome Association. Scott’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome (WS), a genetic condition present at birth, characterized by medical problems including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning challenges. In just four years, Scott has raised over $100k for the organization to continue crucial research and programming. Scott is a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He lives in Northbrook with his wife, Jenna, two daughters and their dog.
Scott is a Vice President at QBE Insurance Group, a top 20 insurance and reinsurance company, and also a practicing real estate broker. He is always looking for ways to improve bottom-line performance by identifying cost-reduction strategies and implementing business process redesign. By partnering with stakeholders and clients around the world, Scott's data-driven approach and innovative methodologies have delivered value to non-profits, insurance companies, law firms, hospitals, and many Fortune 500 organizations worldwide. Scott is also the Treasurer and Vice President-elect of the Board of Trustees for the Williams Syndrome Association. Scott’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome (WS), a genetic condition present at birth, characterized by medical problems including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning challenges. In just four years, Scott has raised over $100k for the organization to continue crucial research and programming. Scott is a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He lives in Northbrook with his wife, Jenna, two daughters and their dog.
Vince Pace
Candidate for Trustee
Vincent is a small business owner who runs a Northbrook-based real estate investment finance company called Albeca Financial. Prior to leading Albeca, he ran a real estate finance fund overseeing more than $100 million in new loans. A practicing attorney with a focus on securities and M&A at major international law firms in New York, Tokyo, and Beijing until 2013, Vincent also found time for pro bono legal work assisting victims of domestic abuse in obtaining U visas and establishing nonprofit organizations. As a legislative intern for Representative Steny Hoyer in the 108th Congress and for the legislatures of Japan and Taiwan, Vincent has participated in government on the global stage. Closer to home, Vincent calls on his Eagle Scout roots to give back as scoutmaster of Troop 64G, Northbrook’s first Scouts BSA troop for girls, and as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 57G, a troop in Glenview. Vincent speaks eight languages and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science, international affairs, and East Asian studies from the Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University, a juris doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and a master’s in law from Tsinghua University’s Law School. He has lived in unincorporated Northbrook since 2013 with his wife, their five children, and his mother, and enjoys long runs along the Des Plaines River.
Vincent is a small business owner who runs a Northbrook-based real estate investment finance company called Albeca Financial. Prior to leading Albeca, he ran a real estate finance fund overseeing more than $100 million in new loans. A practicing attorney with a focus on securities and M&A at major international law firms in New York, Tokyo, and Beijing until 2013, Vincent also found time for pro bono legal work assisting victims of domestic abuse in obtaining U visas and establishing nonprofit organizations. As a legislative intern for Representative Steny Hoyer in the 108th Congress and for the legislatures of Japan and Taiwan, Vincent has participated in government on the global stage. Closer to home, Vincent calls on his Eagle Scout roots to give back as scoutmaster of Troop 64G, Northbrook’s first Scouts BSA troop for girls, and as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 57G, a troop in Glenview. Vincent speaks eight languages and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science, international affairs, and East Asian studies from the Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University, a juris doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and a master’s in law from Tsinghua University’s Law School. He has lived in unincorporated Northbrook since 2013 with his wife, their five children, and his mother, and enjoys long runs along the Des Plaines River.
Daniel Schack
Candidate for Trustee
Daniel is the VP of Sales Operations for Rico Industries, a family-owned Niles-based manufacturer of sports-licensed novelties. At Rico, Daniel pioneered the use of data analytics to manage sales to the nation's top retailers. In 2020 he graduated from the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute and he will serve as Co-Chair of the 2021 class. Daniel also sits on the board of Am Yisrael Synagogue in Northfield where he helps oversee finances, reviewing the budget and balance sheet. Committed to the issues of housing, domestic violence, and immigration, Daniel serves as a member of the advocacy committee for the local North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic. With his expertise in data and communications, Daniel upgraded the Democrats of Northfield Township’s strategic communications outreach efforts as Data Director, while also leading the North Shore Virtual Staging Location for the Biden campaign. Daniel has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, class of 2002 and 2003. He grew up in Glenview and graduated from Glenbrook South High School. A Northbrook resident for the last eight years with his wife and District 28 school board member Mara Silver-Schack, Daniel enjoys trivia competitions, discussing current events, and playing with their three precocious kids.
Daniel is the VP of Sales Operations for Rico Industries, a family-owned Niles-based manufacturer of sports-licensed novelties. At Rico, Daniel pioneered the use of data analytics to manage sales to the nation's top retailers. In 2020 he graduated from the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute and he will serve as Co-Chair of the 2021 class. Daniel also sits on the board of Am Yisrael Synagogue in Northfield where he helps oversee finances, reviewing the budget and balance sheet. Committed to the issues of housing, domestic violence, and immigration, Daniel serves as a member of the advocacy committee for the local North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic. With his expertise in data and communications, Daniel upgraded the Democrats of Northfield Township’s strategic communications outreach efforts as Data Director, while also leading the North Shore Virtual Staging Location for the Biden campaign. Daniel has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, class of 2002 and 2003. He grew up in Glenview and graduated from Glenbrook South High School. A Northbrook resident for the last eight years with his wife and District 28 school board member Mara Silver-Schack, Daniel enjoys trivia competitions, discussing current events, and playing with their three precocious kids.
Kate Spears
Candidate for Trustee
Kate is the District Director for Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz in charge of communications and community engagement initiatives. Kate began her career in strategic communications as a consultant for McKinsey & Company, then became a partner at Accenture, and a VP of Marketing for Gallagher. Along the way she founded her own business, Compel Communications, and continues to offer her expertise to help companies and nonprofits, such as the North Suburban YMCA, with communications and development support including: management of fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation and stewardship, and grant writing. Before consulting in the healthcare, financial services, and education sectors, Kate practiced law, having received her degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Kate has lived in Northbrook for almost 30 years with her two sons who graduated from District 28 schools and Glenbrook North. Always looking to give back to the community she loves, Kate supports community engagement activities at Kenilworth United Church and the Chicago Chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society, as well as volunteering at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the NSYMCA. In her spare time, she enjoys tennis, hiking, biking, curling, and fiction writing.
Kate is the District Director for Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz in charge of communications and community engagement initiatives. Kate began her career in strategic communications as a consultant for McKinsey & Company, then became a partner at Accenture, and a VP of Marketing for Gallagher. Along the way she founded her own business, Compel Communications, and continues to offer her expertise to help companies and nonprofits, such as the North Suburban YMCA, with communications and development support including: management of fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation and stewardship, and grant writing. Before consulting in the healthcare, financial services, and education sectors, Kate practiced law, having received her degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Kate has lived in Northbrook for almost 30 years with her two sons who graduated from District 28 schools and Glenbrook North. Always looking to give back to the community she loves, Kate supports community engagement activities at Kenilworth United Church and the Chicago Chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society, as well as volunteering at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the NSYMCA. In her spare time, she enjoys tennis, hiking, biking, curling, and fiction writing.
Kate • Caryn • Vince • Shiva • Alida • Dan • Scott
