Ozinga Bros. Inc co-owner and Executive Vice President was sworn in Tuesday as the new 37th District State Representative. Ozinga is succeeding former Representative McDermed, who resigned on January 4. McDermed has served as State Representative since 2015. Ozinga, who succeeds McDermed, thanked her for fighting for the needs of the 37th District.
“Thank you to the people of the 37th District for trusting me with the responsibility to represent you in Springfield. This is not an obligation I take lightly,” Ozinga declared. “I also want to thank former Rep. Margo McDermed for her service and determination over these past five years. As I begin to discharge the duties of this office faithfully, I strive to follow in her footsteps.”
“Margo was a leading voice in the General Assembly who never feared from standing her ground and fighting for the needs of the 37th District, and I know she will continue to be an advocate for so many moving forward,” Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said. “Tim’s experience running a family business in Illinois and having grown up in this very district he now represents makes him an emerging leader and strong advocate for his constituents in Springfield.”
Ozinga was sworn in during a private ceremony at the Frankfort Township Building in Frankfort in front of family.
“Illinois is not short of difficulties facing us. Partisan bickering and grandstanding have left the people in a worse place as a result. Many of us see our friends and family searching for greener pastures elsewhere,” Ozinga continued. “It’s time for representatives to face these hard choices and choose real solutions to the problems facing us.”
Ozinga was born in Evergreen Park, IL, grew up in the 37th District, and attended Chicago Christian High School. He attended Moraine Valley Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and political science from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in Evanston, completed the executive education program at Harvard Business School, and today serves as a co-owner and executive vice president of Ozinga Bros., Inc. in Mokena.
“My experience as a business leader will offer a unique perspective to the General Assembly as we find common-sense solutions to the issues that face our great state.” Ozinga is a member of Calvary Church of Orland Park, has served on the Village of Mokena’s Economic Development Commission and its Technology Committee, and served on the Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners.