Township Trustees
Responsibilities of a Township Trustee
The responsibilities of trustees are numerous, and trustees are critical to the proper functioning of the township. They have major roles in auditing township bills, attending to annual budgeting and levy responsibilities, spending township funds, compensating township officers, and many other township functions. They are also expected to attend the monthly township meetings.
Paula McGowen
Paula McGowen is a local community organizer and frequent attendee at Township and DuPage County level meetings. She has lived in Glen Ellyn for over 35 years raising her children and enjoying her grandchildren.
McGowen has swayed local electors to act on items by listening to the community especially its seniors and questioning the need for large capital projects. She has galvanized residents to join her in attending local governance meetings, taking notice, and asking questions which she characterizes as long overdue.
Paula is a frequent volunteer in York Township and consistently champions her “seniors” especially those who are operating with low income.
McGowen’s leadership is focused on a stronger, more transparent, and fiscally responsible Milton Township.
Jacqueline McGrath, PHD
Jacqueline McGrath is a community college teacher, researcher, and Union leader whose experience in assessment, organizing, and board governance will help make Milton Township more responsive and focused on community needs. Jacqueline was born and raised in Illinois.
In addition to over two decades working as a professor at College of DuPage, she has served on various state boards and councils, including Company of Folk, the Illinois Education Association Board of Directors, the Illinois Senate Joint Resolution 41 Advisory Committee, and the Illinois P20 Council.
Jacqueline believes public service requires individual skill, training, and collaboration, and her background in qualitative fieldwork research brings a unique set of listening skills, data collection, and analysis to bear on the work of a Trustee.
McGrath holds a Master’s of Arts. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Missouri.
Larry L. Pitts, MA
Larry L. Pitts is a retired Foodservice Training/Service Center Manager who lives in Wheaton. Pitts moved to the area 45 years ago to raise his family with his wife of 51 years; their 5 children graduated from Wheaton Central. They moved to Wheaton from California choosing Wheaton for its racial diversity, schools, rail transportation and affordable housing costs.
Larry is a Vietnam Veteran US Navy, Catapult Operator USS Hancock, an aircraft carrier. A former High School music teacher, Pitts held multiple manufacturing management positions. He retired with over thirty years in business and manufacturing serving as a Research and Development Lab Manager, Equipment Service Manager, Service and Training Center Manager for General Foods, as well as Equipment Development Manager for General Foods/Kraft Foods.
Pitts has 32 years as a professional member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus and is a current member of the American Guild of Musical Artists.
Pitts holds a Bachelor’s in Arts for Music Education and a Master’s in Arts in Vocal Performance from Fresno State University
Stephen Siemer
Stephen Siemer has over 35 years’ experience working in financial services organizations driving change and improving performance from the inside and outside. Siemer has lived in Milton Township in Wheaton for 31 years raising with his wife of 42 years their 3 children. All their children attended CUSD 200 schools, graduated from college and are out on their own, a tribute to the opportunities available in our community.
Siemer is a CPA who has worked as an auditor, controller, Chief Operating Officer, management information Vice President and management consultant. Past companies include C.N.A., Cagemini, First Nonprofit Insurance Company & Accenture.
Steve has been deeply involved in this community with past and present roles at: Wheaton Library Board; Wheaton Environmental Improvement Commission; Cub Scout Troop #163, Longfellow; Boy Scout Troop #23, First Presbyterian Church Wheaton; Church Elder, First Presbyterian Church Wheaton; Wheaton Infant Welfare; Christmas Sharing, First Presbyterian Church Wheaton
Siemer holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois – Urbana.
