About Chris Reichert:
Chris Reichert is the Mayor of Athens, Illinois, currently serving his fifth year in office. His path into public service was the result of a gradual evolution driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to his community. With roots in nonprofit engagement and a professional career outside of government, Mr. Reichert brings a practical, people-centered perspective to municipal leadership.
Blue Ocean: What inspired you to pursue public service and eventually serve as mayor of Athens?
Chris: It goes back about 30 years. At that point in my life, I felt like something was missing, that I wasn’t doing enough for mankind. And I reached out to some friends and found some local not-for-profit organizations to become a part of, and to help guide them. That’s really how it all started.
Later, we moved from the town of Springfield to Athens, and while my involvement in nonprofit work didn’t disappear, it slowed down because I was in a different community. Around that time, my daughter became friends with the mayor’s daughter, and that connection eventually led to an opportunity.
There was an opening on the city council for an alderman in my ward. I was told there was no pressure, that I would be appointed and could serve for about a year and a half. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t have to run for re-election. So I accepted.
Back then, I didn’t know much about politics. I came from a nonprofit background where you’re constantly worried about funding. Suddenly, I was in a position where we had a budget based on taxpayer revenue, and we had to execute it responsibly. That was a significant shift and a major responsibility.
I really enjoyed my time as an alderman and eventually ran for re-election. However, when my term ended, I chose not to run again because my professional career demanded more of my time, and I didn’t feel I could serve the community the way it deserved.
About two years later, my career path changed again, and I found myself with the capacity to return. I began speaking with residents in my district to understand their perspective on current leadership. Many expressed concerns and encouraged me to run again.
When I did run, I made a conscious decision not to criticize my opponent. Instead, I focused on what I would do differently and how I would approach decision-making to improve the town. That message resonated, and I won the election with a significant margin.
After serving on the council for several years, the sitting mayor announced his retirement. No one stepped forward to run, and I was approached about taking on the role. Initially, I declined. I had seen firsthand the challenges of the position and didn’t think it was something I wanted.
One of my concerns was that the police chief was also planning to retire, and I didn’t want to step into the role and immediately face such a critical transition. However, after speaking with him, he assured me that if I ran, he would stay on for four more years to help guide the transition. That support played a significant role in my decision.
I ultimately ran unopposed, and that’s how I became mayor. I ran for re-election last year and again ran unopposed. Now, I’m in my fifth year. While becoming mayor was never a life goal, the underlying motivation has remained the same: helping people and improving the community.
Blue Ocean: What does a typical day look for you? How do you balance the responsibilities of municipal leadership with your other professional commitments?
Chris: Balance is definitely a challenge because I essentially have three roles. Being the mayor in a town our size doesn’t provide enough income to live on, so I maintain a full-time job. In addition, I serve on the board of the Long Nine Museum.
There really isn’t a typical day. A big part of my role involves interacting with residents. People often stop me to talk, ask questions, or share their perspectives.
I also spend time learning about the town’s history through conversations. Many residents have stories connected to Athens and even to Abraham Lincoln that aren’t widely known. Asking questions and listening help bring those stories to light.
Additionally, I engage with other community leaders and stakeholders to promote growth and collaboration. A lot of my time is spent sharing ideas, discussing opportunities, and building connections.
While not every day is the same, maintaining balance requires constant coordination. I stay in regular communication with my clerk, police chief, and city manager throughout the day. We’ve established a system where we keep each other informed to avoid surprises, especially regarding issues that may arise publicly.
Having a strong team is critical. Without the individuals I have in place at City Hall, none of this would be possible. They handle responsibilities effectively, allowing me to focus on broader leadership decisions.
Blue Ocean: In what ways does Athens’ Lincoln heritage influence your vision for the city’s future?
Chris: The Lincoln heritage is central, especially because the Long Nine Museum is located on Main Street. Any activity there generates excitement and brings people into that area.
We saw this clearly during a recent event, where attendance exceeded expectations and people were talking about it for days. Events like that remind residents of the historical significance around them, something that can sometimes be taken for granted when you see it every day.
By building that excitement, we can create momentum for Main Street, encouraging more activity and supporting local businesses. The goal is to use history as a foundation for community engagement and growth.
Blue Ocean: What initiatives or projects are you most proud of during your time in office?
Chris: One of the key areas is infrastructure, even though it’s not always visible to the public. We’ve focused on improving our water systems, sewer systems, and overall maintenance planning.
A major example is the restoration of our water towers. These haven’t been properly maintained for many years, and the cost is high, over $1.2 million. When I first took office, we did not have sufficient funds.
Over several years, through careful budgeting and planning, we’ve built up the necessary resources to move forward. We’re now in a position where we can complete the project, especially if we secure matching grants.
We’ve also worked on beautifying Main Street by adding lighting and other improvements to enhance the overall environment. While these may seem like small changes, they contribute to the town’s appeal and community pride.
Blue Ocean: What qualities do you believe are essential for effective local leadership today?
Chris: Patience is probably the most important quality, along with the ability to listen. Everyone has ideas and opinions, and it’s important to give them space to be heard.
You also need to be able to disagree respectfully. Not every idea will align, but you can still maintain positive relationships through open communication.
Accessibility is another key factor. People need to feel like they can reach their leaders and have their concerns addressed.
Blue Ocean: What are some common misconceptions about local leadership?
Chris: One misconception is that decisions are simple or immediate. In reality, they involve careful planning, budgeting, and collaboration.
Another is that leaders have complete control over outcomes. In practice, many factors influence decisions, and compromises are often necessary.
Blue Ocean: How do you approach preserving history while fostering growth?
Chris: It’s a constant balancing act. You want growth, but not at the expense of losing the town’s identity.
Some proposals may offer economic benefits but fundamentally change the character of the community. It’s important to evaluate growth carefully and ensure it aligns with the town’s values.
Blue Ocean: What advice would you offer to those interested in leadership?
Chris: Be patient, listen carefully, and be willing to face challenges. Leadership is about serving others and understanding different perspectives.
Blue Ocean: Outside of your responsibilities, how do you maintain balance?
Chris: I spend time with my family, attend sporting events, explore local restaurants, travel when possible, and have recently started reading more.
Blue Ocean: What are you most grateful for in your journey?
Chris: The first thing that comes to mind is the friendships I’ve built along the way. Those relationships have shaped who I am and influenced the path I’ve taken.
Conclusion
Through his work as Mayor and his involvement with the Long Nine Museum, Chris demonstrates that impactful leadership is defined by consistency, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to people. Whether managing the realities of local governance or fostering renewed interest in Athens’ Lincoln heritage, his focus remains building a stronger, more connected community. At its core, his story is a reminder that leadership is about showing up, staying engaged, and continuously working toward something greater than oneself.
Do you have a personal or professional story that can inspire other people into becoming the best version of themselves?
You are welcome to share your journey with our audience.
