Andy-John G. Kalkounos
Family-Centered Business Executive • Elected Public Servant • Community Leader
Andy-John G. Kalkounos has built a life at the intersection of family, business, public service, and the arts, shaped by deep roots in the community where he was born and raised. Both he and his wife Katey are first-generation Greek Americans raising their two children in the same community where Kalkounos was raised, instilling in them a sense of patriotic service, opportunity, and cultural pride that has guided his own journey. His education reflects this same foundation attending Marion Jordan Elementary, Plum Grove Junior High, Elgin Academy H.S. and Fremd H.S. He later earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Butler University’s Lacy School of Business in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Professionally: Andy-John is currently an entrepreneur in the hospitality sector, helping to operate 4 family-owned fine-dining establishments that today employ more than 150 people generating over 12M in revenue.
Real Estate: He maintains a managing broker real estate license and operates a boutique realty company named Chicago Prime Realty & Development Corp. which transacts, manages and maintains all the business properties that he and his family own and operate.
Acting: Andy-John’s creative side led to the SAG-AFTRA union, with recurring appearances on acclaimed television series such as Proven Innocent (Detective Waterman) and Chicago Fire (Engine Lieutenant Lt. Paul Colannino), a fallen husband and father on several episodes.
Public Service: Kalkounos has emerged as a pragmatic, reform-minded, results-driven leader. First elected Trustee of Palatine Township in 2017 and then Township Supervisor in 2021 and then reelected Supervisor in 2025. Kalkounos has emphasized transparency, fiscal discipline, and modernization. Under his guidance, Palatine Township has achieved five consecutive years without a levy increase, consolidated multiple accounts for greater returns, efficiency and transparency. These movements generated record interest income: $292,000 in 2023 and $135,000 through mid-2024. He has overseen the modernization of digital services, including ADA-compliance, real-time scheduling tools for a dramatically expanded transportation department helping the disabled and elderly, and property-linked software through the Tax Assessors office. He forged a partnership with the Cook County Clerk to launch a first of its kind secure access to Vital Records for the 115,000 residents of Palatine Township. Kalkounos expanded food pantry services and led the environmentally safe restoration and beautification of five historic cemeteries that the Township maintains. Kalkounos issued the Township’s first Pride Month proclamation, setting a tone of inclusivity. The Township was awarded for the first time ever the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This recognition is the highest form of acknowledgment in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Something Kalkounos has been working towards for several years.
Tourism: His over a decade of service to Meet Chicago Northwest Convention & Visitors Bureau shaped strategic objectives for Illinois’ official destination marketing organization for Chicago’s northwest suburbs, responsible for tourism promotion, convention sales, and regional economic development through hospitality partnerships and visitor engagement. He has served in many capacities including Board Chair.
Harper College Foundation Board: A nonprofit 501(c)3 governing body that advances the college’s mission by securing private funding, scholarships, and partnerships to expand educational access, innovation, and workforce development. Several years of service including establishing an endowed scholarship in honor of his father George Kalkounos, supporting students pursuing hospitality careers. His connection to Harper began early in life with piano studies at a young age, and has extended through courses in language, theater, real estate, and stage production. Kalkounos continues to serve the Harper College Hospitality Advisory Committee, helping shape curriculum and industry alignment to prepare students for career success. These contributions have earned him recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus by Harper College.
Palatine Township Foundation Board: (formerly the Needy Family Fund), leading this 1M plus funded 501(c)3 into a new era by establishing new governance, policy, clarity of mission and expanding the board from 3 to 7 dedicated members of his community. He advocated for families in crisis and initiating a new award-winning pilot program called DEAR (Donors Empowering Area Residents) that distributed over $75,000 in gift cards for groceries and fuel to families in need. Andy-John ceded his authority as Board Chair to the capable hands of his new colleagues.
Schaumburg Business Development Commission: (2021–2025 Mayor appointed) Supporting commercial and industrial growth and advising the village on development strategy.
Personal: Andy-John is most proud of being an active parent and rarely ever missing events like sports or dance or music recitals. He shares his perspective on podcast appearances and countless public speaking engagements, where he often emphasizes the connection between cultural values and modern leadership. Recognition and awards like the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from the Daily Herald / Business Ledger are a signal to productivity and passion.
For Kalkounos, the thread tying it all together is the Greek word “Filotimo” a Greek ideal embodying honor, integrity, and selfless duty to others. It is the value that he witnessed in both his father and mother that defines his efforts in service today.