Mayor appoints 12th Ward alderman to replace John Beck
Staff Report
ROCKFORD – Rockford Mayor McNamara on Wednesday, announced that he has appointed Jennifer “Ginger” Hanley to serve as 12th Ward alderman to replace John Beck, the longtime Republican who died last month.
Hanley, a physical education teacher at All Saints Catholic Academy and a fitness instructor for the YMCA, has served as the Republican committeeman for the 12th Ward since May 2019.
“I’m truly honored to be nominated to serve my community,” says Hanley. “I will strive to emulate my predecessor – John Beck. He was always extremely responsive to his constituents and thoughtful in his actions. He set a high bar and I will do my best to serve residents of the ward as well as he did.”
McNamara said: “John was an amazing advocate for not only the citizens he served, but also for the arts and the disabled community. He is leaving big shoes to fill. In speaking with Ginger, it is clear that she cares deeply for her community, just as John did. She will continue his legacy of outstanding community service with an emphasis on collaboration.”
The daughter of a Navy pilot, Hanley spent her early years in many locations, including Italy and London, before moving to Rockford to attend Rockford College in 1996. After marrying and moving to Arizona, her family moved back to Rockford in 2013. She currently lives in the Edgewater neighborhood with her husband, two children and one foster child.
“The Republican Caucus of the City Council worked closely with Mayor McNamara to select Ginger to replace our friend John Beck,” 10th Ward Ald. Frank Beach said. “I’m looking forward to serving alongside Ginger. Her focus on reducing crime, improving economic development and enhancing neighborhood vitality aligns nicely with the priorities of the entire City Council.”
The mayor’s nomination of Hanley will go to City Council on Monday, May 18. Aldermen will have 30 days to vote on it.