Ogalla takes over as Forest Preserve Board president

Judy Ogalla has taken over as president of the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners.

She succeeds Destinee Ortiz, who will now serve as vice president of the Board. Ogalla was vice president in 2025.

Because the Board is tied with Republicans and Democrats, both Ortiz, a Democrat, and Ogalla, a Republican, were elected by fellow commissioners to serve one-year terms as president after the post-election Board reorganization in December 2024. Normally, Board officers serve two-year terms. 

“I’m honored to serve as the president of the Will County Forest Preserve for the next year,” Ogalla said. “The mission of the Forest Preserve is very important to me. The Forest Preserve is a benefit to all, it protects and enhances Will County’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.”

Ogalla, who was first elected to the Board in 2012, lives on a family farm in Will Township near Monee with her husband Robert. They are the parents of three adult children. She has a bachelor’s degree from Governors State University in information systems management. 

In addition to her year as Forest Preserve vice president, Ogalla previously served as secretary of the Board for four years. And she is a member of the Forest Preserve’s Agricultural Committee. 

Ogalla said she hopes in the next year to focus on financial oversight of the District. 

“The Forest Preserve’s 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal discipline, smaller government growth, and a smart use of taxpayer dollars,” she said. “It delivers a balanced financial plan across all funds while providing an estimated 6.4% reduction in the total property tax rate, returning savings to taxpayers.”