Sandra Alexander Becomes Hazel Crest's First Female Mayor

In a historic moment for Hazel Crest, Sandra Alexander was sworn in as the village's first female mayor on April 1, 2025.

Alexander's journey with Hazel Crest began in 1994 when she joined as a 911 dispatcher.

Over the years, she ascended through various roles, including executive assistant to multiple mayors and village managers, and later as deputy village clerk.

Notably, she was the first full-time African American in the village's administrative offices and achieved milestones as the first registered and certified municipal clerk in Hazel Crest's history.

After retiring in 2018, Alexander remained deeply involved in the community.

She served as president of the Hazel Crest Proper Neighborhood Association and was elected as a village trustee in 2023.

Her election as mayor marks a significant milestone, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the village she has called home for 26 years.

Under Alexander's leadership, Hazel Crest is embarking on ambitious redevelopment projects.

One key initiative focuses on revitalizing the area around the Metra station, historically the village's downtown.

With support from a Regional Transportation Authority grant, the village is developing an Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Plan to attract residents and businesses back to this central hub.

Mayor Alexander emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "This was originally our downtown area, and for so long it's been neglected. It's time to bring it back up and make it what it was intended to be."

Community members have expressed optimism about Alexander's leadership.

Longtime resident Jonathan Cooper remarked, "Sandra's deep roots and extensive experience in our village government make her uniquely qualified to lead us into a new era of growth and inclusivity."

As Hazel Crest celebrates this historic appointment, the village looks forward to a future shaped by Alexander's dedication and vision.

Her leadership is expected to foster community engagement, economic development, and a renewed sense of pride among residents.