Gene Griffin

Gene Griffin, J.D., Ph.D., has been a Library Trustee since 2015 and is currently the Board President. He is an attorney and clinical psychologist retired from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine where he spent his career working with high-risk youth in child welfare, children’s mental health, education, and juvenile justice. Gene earned his law degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from Northwestern University and completed an internship in clinical and forensic psychology at Harvard Medical School.

He has particularly enjoyed the board’s role in adapting the library offerings as the community's use of the library has changed, including completing a total renovation of the building. He is committed to the library values of intellectual freedom, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Gene also believes in strong budgeting, and parental choice. He thinks the library staff do an amazing job of serving those who come to the library and making them feel that everyone is welcome here.
 
Gene and his wife Karen raised their three sons in Skokie where they have lived for over thirty years. When his boys were young, Gene took his sons to the library every weekend as they ran Saturday errands. The boys each enjoyed picking out books, music, and games for the week. Gene coached children's soccer and basketball and served on his parish school board, fundraising and finance committees. He is also a co-founder of the Skokie Community Foundation.