Class of 2009

Katie Justak

 Katie Justak (La Grange) – Katie has always had a passion for politics. As early as age seven, she accompanied her father, former chair of the New Lenox Republicans, during local and statewide campaign events. After her father retired from politics, Katie continued volunteering for local campaigns through high school and college, including for State Representative and Assistant House Republican Leader Renee Kosel.

 After college, Katie took a hiatus from politics to focus on her career in public relations, first in the consumer marketing field at GolinHarris, then in healthcare at Edelman, both in Chicago. Additionally, Katie utilized her public relations talents as program manager of education at the American Academy of Periodontology, successfully working as a liaison between dental educators, students, dental associations and the Academy. She also volunteered her time to tutor and mentor children, and was active in her church.

 Now, Katie is a fulltime mother of two and is currently the chair of the Citizens’ Council of La Grange, a non-partisan, volunteer organization that serves the citizens of La Grange, Illinois by seeking, evaluating and recommending candidates for the Village, Library and Park District Boards. She also is a member of the Chicago Republican Women’s Network and the Chicago Young Republicans. In addition, she volunteers her time to help a women’s faith-sharing group she founded.

 She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in business from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Katie and her husband, Mel, are proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Abigail and Emily.