Andy-John G. Kalkounos
Palatine Township Supervisor
Personal Background & Education
Andy-John G. Kalkounos was born in Chicago and raised in Palatine Township, where he continues to reside with his wife Katey, a dedicated elementary school educator. Both are proud first-generation Greek Americans, with all four of their parents born in Greece. Their two children attend District 15 and District 211 public schools, continuing a multi-generational connection to the area.
He is a proud graduate of Marion Jordan Elementary, Plum Grove Junior High, and Fremd High School. He earned his Business Degree from Butler University, where he also focused on studies in Latin and Theater. His relationship with Harper College began in childhood through piano and music studies and continues today through service, philanthropy, and participation in classes spanning theater, real estate, and on-stage productions.
Public Service & Township Involvement
Elected to a four-year term as a Palatine Township Trustee in 2016 and later as Township Supervisor in 2020, Andy-John has focused on producing measurable results and guiding practical improvements. His approach centers on transparency, efficiency, and a collaborative vision for service, not slogans or partisanship. His consistent results and collaborative style have made him an established voice for small businesses, townships, and local government, connecting him to legislative and executive leaders throughout Cook County and Springfield alike.
Fiscal Responsibility & Financial Transparency
During his term, the Township maintained five consecutive years without a levy increase. More than nine fragmented bank accounts were consolidated to improve clarity, oversight, and accountability. Public funds were strategically moved to locally owned community banks, resulting in $292,000 in earned interest income in 2023 and $135,000 through July of 2024.
Financial industry best practices were implemented, including updates to the Township’s investment and purchasing policies and the introduction of Positive Pay fraud protection. These efforts reinforced public trust and ensured tax dollars were safeguarded and working for residents.
Digital Access, Communication & Service Modernization
Committed to accessibility, the Township launched a mobile-friendly, ADA-compliant website and introduced QR code tools to make program registration and donations easier, especially for residents in need. The General Assistance application process was streamlined, and staff adopted a property-linked software tool connected directly to Cook County Assessor records, improving response times and data accuracy.
In response to the closure of the Rolling Meadows Courthouse Clerk’s Office, Cook County selected Palatine Township to pilot a new vital records access program. The initiative enables local residents to obtain marriage licenses, birth certificates, and death certificates directly through the Township, expanding civic services and reducing burdens on working families.
Transportation Expansion & Community Outreach
Township transportation services expanded with three new vehicles, acquired at no additional cost to taxpayers. These upgrades improved comfort and reliability for seniors and disabled residents. Fares were reduced, Benefit Access-eligible residents continued to ride free, and medical transportation through the T.R.I.P. Bus Service was expanded.
The Township implemented real-time scheduling through EcoLane software and deployed a shared food pantry truck to improve outreach and access, meeting residents where they are. Andy-John also partnered with CMAP and Harper College on a regional transit study to evaluate long-term transportation infrastructure needs.
Professionalization of Township Operations
Cross-training, policy updates, and the standardization of job descriptions and evaluations improved staff agility and resident service. These efforts enhanced internal accountability, increased employee engagement, and modernized day-to-day operations.
Historic Cemetery Restoration & Preservation
Under Andy-John’s guidance, all five Township-managed cemeteries; Hillside, Salem, Cady, Sutherland, and Wolfrum, were restored with professional cleaning and resetting of 688 historic headstones. The project used non-toxic, environmentally safe solutions and avoided harsh chemicals. Standardized procedures were adopted, including affidavits and burial authorization forms to ensure consistent, dignified, and legal cemetery operations.
Business Ownership & Private Sector Insight
A committed entrepreneur and small business advocate, Andy-John is owner-partner of Chicago Prime Italian and Chicago Prime Steakhouse, two respected dining institutions in Schaumburg. Collectively, his family’s hospitality ventures employ over 100 professionals across the region.
He is also a licensed Managing Broker and operates Chicago Prime Realty & Development Corp., a boutique real estate firm headquartered in Palatine with a focus on commercial brokerage.
Creative Work
As a SAG-AFTRA union actor, Andy-John has appeared in guest-starring roles spanning multiple episodes on national television series including Chicago Fire and Proven Innocent. His creative background informs his public communication, presentation style, and connection to diverse audiences.
Volunteer Service & Regional Advocacy
Andy-John’s record of volunteer service includes multiple community boards and commissions. His passion for community began at Harper College, where he served on the Education Foundation Board for several years. He has chaired the Meet Chicago Northwest Convention & Visitors Bureau—the region’s official destination marketing organization and remains an active board member since 2010. He has also volunteered on the Schaumburg Business Development Commission and served several years on the Palatine Township Foundation (formerly the Needy Family Fund), which supports critical aid to local families in crisis.
He currently serves as a volunteer on the Harper College Hospitality Committee, offering real-world insights to help shape curriculum and prepare students for careers in the hospitality industry. He also established an endowed scholarship at Harper in honor of his father and the Chicago Prime brand to assist students pursuing culinary and hospitality careers.
Recognition & Awards
Andy-John’s contributions to business, education, and civic life have been recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Harper College and the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from the Daily Herald / Business Ledger. His family’s restaurants have received numerous awards across the region. He is also featured on several podcasts, including Harper College’s podcast, where he spoke about his Greek heritage, immigrant roots, commitment to family, and the importance of being fully present in public service and in life.
A Record of Results, Grounded in Integrity
Andy-John G. Kalkounos continues to serve Palatine Township with transparency, accountability, and focus. He remains committed to protecting taxpayer resources, strengthening public services, and delivering real results, with a steady focus on people over politics.