Elected Officials

Cassandra Holbert-Elston has spent over five decades building a distinguished career in government, public service, and community advocacy. A resident of Calumet City since 1998, she is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, with deep roots in the Southland community.

Cassandra began her public service career in 1973 as Aldermanic Secretary for the 21st Ward under Alderman Bennett Stewart, later continuing in the 6th Ward under Alderman Eugene Sawyer. From 1987 to 1989, she served as Assistant Office Administrator to Mayor Eugene Sawyer during his tenure as Mayor of Chicago.

In 1989, Cassandra joined the Cook County Assessor’s Office, where she held various positions over two decades, gaining extensive experience in property assessment, field inspections, and residential analysis. In 2011, she was elected Thornton Township Assessor, a position she continues to hold, where she champions fair and accurate property assessments for residents across the township.

Her leadership has also extended into education and local governance. In 2023, she was elected to the School Board of District 149. Since 2022, she has also served as a member of the Southwest Mosquito Abatement Board.

Cassandra's professional affiliations include:

Licensed Broker, Southwest Realtors Association

Member, Cook County Assessors Association (CCAO)

Member, Illinois Property Assessment Institute (IPAI)

Member, International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)

Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO)

Her outstanding service has earned her numerous honors, including:

Woman of the Year, Society of Mannequins (2018)

Elected Official of the Year, Illinois Township Association of Senior Services Committees (2020)

MLK Spirit of Excellence Award in Financial Leadership, Southland Ministerial Health Network (2020)

Outstanding Service Award, Dolton School District 149 (2023)

Women’s History Community Spirit and Leadership Award, City of Calumet City (2024)

Cassandra Holbert-Elston remains a tireless advocate for transparency, education, and fiscal responsibility. As Thornton Township Assessor, she continues to uphold her mission of equitable service and principled leadership for the residents of the township.

With over 15 years of devoted public service, Antwon T. Russell has built a career rooted in leadership, integrity, and community advocacy. A lifelong resident of Thornton Township—born at Ingalls Hospital and raised in Harvey, Illinois—Antwon understands the needs of the community firsthand and remains committed to making a lasting, positive impact.

Experience & Leadership
Highway Commissioner, Thornton Township

President, Democrats of Thornton Township

Deputy Chief of Police, Village of Robbins

Former Deputy Chief Clerk, Cook County Circuit Court – Bridgeview

Former Sustainability Coordinator, South Suburban College

Former Burnham School Board Member (District 154.5)

Former High School Girls Basketball Coach, TF North High School

Commitment to Education & Growth
Currently enrolled at Northwestern University, School of Police Staff and Command – Leadership Program

Community & Family
Dedicated father

Active member of True Holiness Church of God in Christ, Harvey, IL

As Highway Commissioner, Antwon T. Russell is committed to delivering efficient infrastructure, well-maintained roadways, and a community-first approach to township services. His experience, leadership, and deep-rooted dedication to Thornton Township make him a trusted and effective public servant.

Christopher Gonzalez has dedicated his career to public service, consistently working to uplift and support his community. As a longtime employee of Thornton Township, he has made meaningful contributions across multiple departments, including Senior Services, Special Services, and Transportation. He has also supported operations in the Assessor’s Office, switchboard, special events, and led a township tax refund initiative.

In addition to his extensive township experience, Gonzalez has served as a police officer, having completed academy training and patrol duties. In that role, he responded to calls for service, safeguarded people and property, conducted investigations, and participated in ongoing professional development in various areas of law enforcement.

Gonzalez also brings private-sector experience as a licensed insurance producer, where he helped clients protect their families with comprehensive coverage and sound financial planning.

His deep commitment to fair and transparent government led to two successful elections as Thornton Township Assessor, where he worked to ensure equitable property assessments for residents. Now, as a current Thornton Township Trustee, he continues to champion transparency, accessibility, and community-driven leadership.

Mary Avent has been a proud resident of Dolton for 27 years. She is a mother of two, grandmother of two, and great-grandmother of two, and a devoted member of Zion Faith Center in South Holland. Mary brings decades of experience in both public service and the private sector, along with a deep passion for advocacy and community engagement.

She began her professional journey in corporate roles at Brunswick and Quaker Oats before transitioning to public service with the Chicago Police Department in 1978. Over more than 20 years, she served in patrol, narcotics, and investigations, retiring as a Detective. She later joined Exelon Corporation as a Security Specialist, overseeing its largest service territory for 24 years.

After retiring, Mary became actively engaged in local issues, driven by a desire to improve leadership and accountability in Thornton Township and Dolton. She founded the Advisory Committee to the People’s Trustees and led the “Take Thornton Township Back!” initiative, visiting all 17 township municipalities to raise awareness and promote civic engagement.

Now serving as a Thornton Township Trustee, Mary remains a dedicated advocate for transparency, responsible spending, and government accountability. She sees herself not as a politician, but as a community member committed to creating what she proudly calls “Good Trouble” in the pursuit of fairness, oversight, and progress.

Valeria Stubbs is a dedicated public servant and longtime community advocate with over two decades of experience in leadership and civic engagement. A 24-year resident of Dolton, she is known for her tireless work to improve local governance and ensure responsible financial stewardship.

Valeria previously served as a Village of Dolton Trustee from 2015 to 2019, where she led efforts to restore nearly 50 blighted and tax-delinquent properties—returning them to the tax rolls and contributing to community revitalization. She also supported infrastructure and roadway improvement grants to drive local development.

During her tenure, Valeria played a key role in attracting national businesses such as O’Reilly Auto Parts, Taco Bell, and Citi Trends to Dolton’s Sibley Corridor, stimulating job creation and economic growth. She consistently championed fiscal transparency and responsible budgeting to ensure taxpayer dollars were spent wisely.

In recognition of her service, Valeria was honored with President Biden’s Volunteer Service Award and the Democrats of Thornton Township Honoree Award in 2024. In 2023, she received an Illinois Senate Certificate of Recognition from Senator Napoleon B. Harris.

Now serving as a Thornton Township Trustee, Valeria remains a passionate advocate for economic development, infrastructure investment, and transparent governance that truly serves the people.