Term: May 2025 - April 2029

Vanessa Sula grew up in a small town in northern Michigan, where she learned early on that local government has a profound impact on daily life. A lifelong public servant and community advocate, she earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice with distinction from Ferris State University and went on to become Michigan’s youngest Director of Community Corrections.

After moving to Illinois with her husband, Mike, Vanessa settled in Plainfield to raise their twins. Her commitment to education, safety, and mental health led her to co-found LincolnGrows, an outdoor classroom initiative. She is very active in national nonprofits, including DarkSky and the US CPTED Association. She is also involved in volunteering locally with the Plainfield Public Arts Council, Plainfield Arts Community Theater, Plainfield Riverfront Foundation, and Plainfield Active Transportation Commission.  

Vanessa holds a professional designation in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and previously served on the Plainfield Plan Commission. As a substitute teacher in PSD202, she brings a unique perspective on the needs of local families and youth and is passionate about safe, sustainable, and connected development. 

When she's not in the classroom or at a community meeting, Vanessa enjoys hiking, disc golf, carpentry, gardening, board games, and biking to her favorite local third places.