These are the candidates for the 2024-25 Caucus Committee from Ward 2.
Bert Carstens
Bert and his wife, Julie, live in Whispering Oaks. He moved to Lake Forest in 1987. His 3 children are graduates of LFHS. A native of Long Beach, Inidana, Bert received his undergraduate Bachelor of Business Science in Business Administration from Washington University and his MBA from Indiana University. His banking career included co-founding and leading Libertyville Bank & Trust, where he was active with a number of area civic and non-profit groups. Now retired, he looks forward to contributing to the community.
Stephen Fletcher
Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Stephen has been a resident of Lake Forest since 2012, having previously resided in Chicago for 13 years. Stephen is most proud of his two teenage daughters: one away at boarding school and the other who will be graduating from LFCDS this spring. Professionally, Stephen is a private investor and involved in the oversight of his family’s business, the Ruan Companies, which are engaged in the banking, real estate and trucking industries. Previously, Stephen was an investment banker in corporate M&A as well as a management consultant. He holds a B.S. degree in economics from Vanderbilt University and an M.B.A. degree from University of Texas – Austin. Stephen is also an avid skier, golfer and racquet sports enthusiast. In 2013 Stephen joined the board of trustees of MetroSquash, a 501(c)3 organization focused on providing opportunity for children in underserved communities; and was part of the team responsible for $1+ million in annual fundraising. Stephen also served on the board of governors for the Racquet Club of Chicago, where he served as chairman of the house committee, and where he holds several squash club championship titles. He is also a member of the international Jester’s Club as well as Onwentsia Club. Stephen is a regular patron of Open Lands, where he frequently walks his two golden retrievers and he maintains an office in Market Square which he opened in 2013 along with two other Lake Forest residents. With his kids moving onto boarding school and his previous board commitments having concluded Stephen is looking forward to giving back to the community he loves and calls home.
Reid Gustafson
Reid grew up in a neighboring community and has been a resident of Lake Forest since 2018. His professional background is in Packaging Sales. In his free time Reid is active in his local church community and enjoys volunteering for the Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and other similar organizations. Reid resides in town with his wife, and 4 wonderful daughters, who attend Cherokee Elementary & First Presbyterian Preschool. Reid and his wife like outdoor activities with their kids, supporting their kids in their various sports and activities, and enjoying the Lake Forest community.