ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Alderwoman Judith Gilbert, who represents Rock Island's Third Ward, announced she will be retiring from her position on the Rock Island City Council, effective Jan. 12.
Gilbert will be moving to Eldridge next month to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.
Gilbert's experience with the city began in 2016 when she was hired as city clerk. She was the first Rock Island city clerk with prior municipal experience and a master's degree, including economic and small business development work in Chicago and Henry County. She also worked in higher education teaching marketing and entrepreneurship at undergraduate and graduate levels.
After her election in April 2021, Gilbert established a blog where she provided summaries and explanations of city issues to city residents. Constituents praised her informative communications, according to a press release.
“It has been one of my life’s greatest privileges to have served Rock Island residents — first as city clerk, and most recently as Third Ward Alderwoman,” Gilbert said in a press release. “I hope that I have served residents and business owners well. It truly has been an honor to work for and represent Rock Island residents."
Mayor Mike Thoms will nominate a resident of the Third Ward who will finish Gilbert's term once approved by city council. Her term will finish in May 2025.
Gilbert will hold a final Third Ward meeting on Saturday, Dec. 30 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Hauberg Estate Carriage House at 1300 24th St. To attend, send an RSVP to Executive Assistant Colleen Skolrood at (309) 732-2012 or at skolrood.colleen@rigov.org.
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