LINCOLNWOOD, Ill. — In the April 1, 2025, election, Sokol Delisi was elected Village Clerk of Lincolnwood, receiving 1,409 votes as the sole candidate on the ballot under the Lincolnwood Alliance Party. Delisi’s election introduces a new voice to village leadership, one committed to public transparency, civic engagement, and modernization.
A first-generation Albanian-American, Delisi's election is both a personal milestone and part of a broader narrative of immigrant contributions to public service in the Chicago suburbs. His parents immigrated to the United States seeking opportunity, and Delisi has cited their journey as a driving force behind his dedication to community and civic responsibility.
In 1988, my parents immigrated from Dibra e Madhe with just some luggage and little money, chasing their dream of a better life in America. They worked tirelessly, raising three daughters and a son, teaching us that success comes through perseverance in the face of adversity. Like many first-generation Albanian-Americans, I understand how important it is to honor the sacrifices our families made and to chase the dreams our parents put on hold to create better opportunities for us.
Delisi is familiar with village affairs, having served on the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Board, where he contributed to enhancing community programs and spaces. Known for his strategic mindset and collaborative approach, he worked alongside trustees and residents to develop initiatives that prioritized families and young professionals.
My decision to run for Village Clerk stemmed from my time on the Parks & Rec board, where I noticed good progress in historical records that hindered informed decision-making. This slowed Lincolnwood and service to residents. A key goal of mine is to improve how we track and document policy decisions, ensuring we stay on course and continue prioritizing community service. I look forward to collaborating with the Village Board and staff to enhance Lincolnwood for all.
Professionally, Delisi is a project manager at KLDiscovery, a global legal technology firm. In his role, Delisi works at the intersection of legal technology and project management, helping clients streamline data processing, electronic discovery, and forensic investigations. His expertise in managing large-scale projects, coordinating across multiple teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards makes him well-equipped to bring efficiency and transparency to the Village Clerk’s office.
He holds a degree in Political Science with minors in Data Science and History from DePaul University, a background that reflects his deep interest in governance, evidence-based decision-making and the responsible use of technology in public administration.
Graduating with a degree in Political Science has provided me with a deep understanding of the inner workings of local government and the complexities involved in serving diverse stakeholders to drive community progress. My experience in legal technology has further honed my attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to provide exceptional customer service, while managing complex systems and records.
Beyond his professional and official roles, Delisi has been active in civic and cultural initiatives, including serving on the planning committee for Lincolnwood School District 74’s 75th anniversary celebration. This involvement has helped him build strong relationships with both longtime residents and newcomers.
With his swearing-in set for May 6th at Lincolnwood Village Hall, Delisi is focused on increasing civic participation, ensuring institutional transparency, and honoring the diversity that defines Lincolnwood’s past, present, and future.
I am both honored and humbled to serve as the next Village Clerk of Lincolnwood. Our village is built on a rich and unique history, and as we look to the future, we will remain steadfast in upholding the values that have shaped Lincolnwood into the community it is today. We will use that foundation to guide our progress as we move forward.
As Lincolnwood evolves, Sokol Delisi steps into his new role with the support of many and the pride of an Albanian-American community that sees in him not just a clerk, but a symbol of service, integrity and possibility.
The Albanian American Community of Illinois is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidates for public office. This article is intended for informational purposes only.
