Ara is a lifelong resident of Lake Forest with a passion for service to our community. His deep roots, life experience, and generational orthodontic practice have lead him to leadership roles in our city. Most importantly, he cares deeply about the people and quality of life we share. These are the driving factors which make him a natural selection for the Caucus nominee for mayor.

Upon completion of his Lake Forest Public education (LFHS ’80), he attended Carroll University (B.S. Biology ’84), University of Illinois College of Dentistry (D.D.S ’88) and Loyola University (Orthodontic Cert ’91). This brought him back to his hometown to practice with his father, Robert Goshgarian.

In addition to Ara’s 25-year commitment to his state, regional and national healthcare association (American Association of Orthodontists) where he developed critical skills interacting with both State and Federal legislators, he began hometown service as a Ward 3 member of the Lake Forest Caucus.

Upon becoming a member of Lake Forest City Council (’19-’25) Ara was a member of the Finance Committee, Liaison to the Parks and Recreation Board, Chairman of the Property and Public Land Committee, and finally Chairman of the Public Works Committee. Due to his extensive oversite across all areas of city government, Ara has a very comprehensive understanding of all the operational needs to make government work for the residents.

Ara recognizes there are unique challenges ahead, primarily within existing city infrastructure. Maintaining and improving basic needs such as clean reliable water, roads, bridges and addressing telecommunication deficiencies are a top concern. This is in addition to supporting a healthy business environment and resident satisfaction with quality of life. He firmly believes all voices and opinions should be respected and brought into community discussion.

Ara is happily married to his beautiful wife Christine. They have raised four strong, young women, each looking to make a positive impact in their own way. When asked what is his favorite part of Lake Forest? He simply says “everything”.