Meet the Candidates: Winnetka Village president and council (Uncontested)

Four candidates, all of whom have previously served on the Winnetka Village Council, are running to represent the Village of Winnetka.

Current Trustee Robert Dearborn is running for village president to replace Chris Rintz, who is terming out of office after eight years (four terms). Current Trustees Bridget Orsic and Kirk Albinson are seeking full terms, and Scott Myers, who is a former council member, is back on the ballot. All four candidates earned the Winnetka Caucus’ endorsement and are running uncontested.

Below are basic profiles of the candidates, each of whom submitted a digital form upon request from The Record. The order they are presented was selected at random.

These profiles are a layer of The Record’s election coverage and are meant to provide community members with basic information about those running for and taking public office. The Record will not conduct independent interviews for uncontested races.

Village President

Name: Robert Dearborn

Professional experience: Investment management

Community experience/involvement: 30-year resident of Winnetka

• Winnetka Caucus Council treasurer/chair

• Design Review Board

• Winnetka trustee (2017-2025)

Why are you running for this public office?

Winnetka has a high-functioning Village Council that has made great progress in tackling large issues, and I want that momentum to continue. There are a number of important initiatives in the near and longer term that need to be addressed thoughtfully, deliberately, and with extensive public input. I am committed to that process and believe my experience and knowledge of the issues will help lead to successful outcomes.

Village Council

Name: Bridget Orsic

Professional experience: Real estate agent, attorney

Community experience/involvement: I enjoy getting involved in things I care about, examples: Winnetka Village Council, trustee; Winnetka Plan Commission, chair/commissioner; New Trier Parents Association, co-Chair/Class of 2023 Board chair; Skokie/Washburne PTO, co-president/vice president; Children’s Theater of Winnetka, board member; New Trier Rowing Club, board member; Wrightwood Neighbors Association, president/board member.

Why are you running for reelection to this public office?

I find great fulfillment in public service work, where I have the chance to meet and connect with many different people and make a meaningful impact on my community. Winnetka is a terrific place to live and raise a family. We have amazing residents who care a lot about different issues and keep our community moving forward to be the best that it can be. I view being a part of the Village Council as my way of contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community that thrives together.

Name: Scott Myers

Professional experience: Retired from Accenture as a managing director in the health and life sciences practice; leadership member of Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games; executive director of World Sport Chicago

Community experience/involvement: Past chair of the board of Youth Guidance; current chair of the board of trustees of Lawrence University; two-term Winnetka Village trustee; five years as member of the Winnetka Zoning Board of Appeals; two years as member of the Winnetka Plan Commission; founder of the Winnetka Music Festival

Why are you running for this public office?

With extensive experience on the Village Council, ZBA, and Plan Commission, and leadership roles in various organizations, I am deeply committed to Winnetka’s continued success. My expertise in navigating complex policy and operational questions equips me to provide thoughtful insight on the variety of questions facing the village. I am dedicated to ensuring Winnetka remains a vibrant community that balances growth with heritage, addresses infrastructure needs, and embraces viable energy solutions. My engagement approach prioritizes active listening and collaboration. I hope to bring well thought out perspectives to the council while continuing the tradition of strong, community-focused governance.

Name: Kirk Albinson

Professional experience: Real estate developer and investor

Community experience/involvement: 2 years – Trustee, Village of Winnetka

• 11 years – Member and chair, Village of Winnetka Design Review Board

• 7 years – Board member, Wayside Cross Ministries

• 8 years – Chairman, Sugar Grove Economic Development Corporation

Why are you running for reelection to this public office?

I have a continued long-term interest in serving and improving my community.

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