Illinois Governor JB Pritzker appoints Beth McElroy Kirkwood to fill vacant MWRD seat

December 11, 2024

On Dec. 10, Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Beth McElroy Kirkwood to fill a vacant seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners. Kirkwood succeeds Mariyana Spyropoulos, who stepped down in November after 15 years of service to assume her new role as the elected clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court.

Commissioner Kirkwood brings over a decade of public service experience to the Board, having served as Orland Township committeeperson since 2021 and worked across multiple village departments for Orland Park. In her hometown, she has served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Open Lands Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Her extensive background in municipal operations and community service positions will allow her to contribute meaningfully to the MWRD's mission of treating wastewater, managing stormwater and protecting Chicago-area waterways.

"Beth McElroy Kirkwood is an example of someone who has made serving her community a lifelong priority, and I'm proud to appoint her to continue this legacy of service on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board," said Gov. Pritzker. "The MWRD serves a crucial role in ensuring the greater Chicagoland area has access to clean and safe water, protecting millions of Illinoisans."

Commissioner Kirkwood's appointment ensures continuity in leadership as MWRD advances its efforts to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and support environmental sustainability for Cook County residents.

"Beth McElroy Kirkwood's commitment to public service and her experience in municipal government will be extremely valuable to the MWRD," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "We welcome her to the Board and look forward to working together to advance our mission of protecting our region's water resources and promoting sustainability for future generations."

In 2019, Commissioner Kirkwood was elected to the Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees where she is serving a six-year term. Kirkwood holds a bachelor's degree in education from Benedictine University and is certified as an English as a Second Language Teacher. She is an educator in Orland School District 135.

"I am deeply grateful to Governor Pritzker for placing his trust in me with this appointment," said Commissioner Kirkwood. "The South Suburbs are a dynamic and growing region, and having dedicated representation at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is vital to supporting our continued growth and success. I am committed to ensuring our community's needs are met and our resources are protected for generations to come."

MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown, a resident of the south suburbs of Cook County, praised the appointment. "Beth McElroy Kirkwood's presence on our Board brings new energy and expertise to the MWRD. Her contributions will be instrumental in protecting our waterways and advancing sustainable initiatives for the communities we serve. This appointment marks a significant step in our mission to safeguard the environment and promote regional sustainability."

Read Gov. Pritzker's announcement