CASSANDRA J. MATZ
Takes a vision and makes it a reality through sound strategic planning, advocacy, and servant leadership. She intuitively sees the threads of the opportunity that permeates through an organization, helps others extend their thinking, and drives change where needed. She is an inspirational leader who tells stories that inspire action while at the same time is grounded in a wealth of information and knowledge that levers the business. Respected as a credible voice in decision making, building strategic partnerships, and establishing governance boundaries, Cassandra earns a seat at the table wherever she serves.
Cassandra has extensive experience in the areas of sales, public relations, and promotions with corporations such as American Express, McNeil Pharmaceutical, The Eastman Kodak Company, and The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. She also rooted herself in entrepreneurship by founding CJREDD Realty, Inc. in 2014. As an extension of her corporate experience, Cassandra served as the Chief of Staff over five years for the two-term State Senator Michael E. Hastings in the 19th Legislative District. She was elected at large to serve a four-year term as one of six board members to represent Olympia Fields village residents, April 8, 2017.
Cassandra has dedicated her life to civic engagement and leadership. In 2017, she founded an organization entitled, Women Leading the Way where the mission is to unite women of various skills and talents. She serves as a member of the Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s Advisory Collective which keeps her informed of the various needs throughout the community. She served on Karen Yarbrough’s transition team as Cook County Clerk. She also serves as a volunteer for Suburban Access, an advocacy group that provides resources to those with disabilities, as well as Habitat for Humanity, Rich Township Food Pantry, and Meals on Wheels. She is a true servant leader and her actions speak boldly to the work she has done in her community.
Cassandra was born in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from Aquinas Dominican Catholic College Prep High School, attended Northern Illinois University and graduated from Columbia College in Chicago with a B.A. She is a mother of three college-educated children and a grandmother to two beautiful babies.
