About Colin
Colin is ready to continue his public service as an Arlington Heights Village Trustee - to help guide the future of this great community!
Colin Gilbert is a dedicated public servant, attorney, business owner, community volunteer, devoted husband, and proud father, who is honored to call Arlington Heights home. He believes strong communities are built through giving back, civic engagement, fiscal responsibility and transparency, support for local businesses, and a steadfast commitment to public safety.
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Since being appointed to fill an open seat on the Arlington Heights Village Board on October 6, 2025, Colin has been privileged to serve this great community. His experiences on the Board have reinforced his belief that our local government plays a vital role in preserving the exceptional quality of life that is enjoyed in Arlington Heights, while planning responsibly for the future.
A graduate of John Hersey High School, Colin earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, and his law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law. For more than 20 years, he has practiced law with a focus on residential real estate and creditors’ rights, enabling him to advance expertise in development, property rights, governance, and fiscal responsibility – not only to the benefit of his clients, but also when considering proposals and initiatives that can impact the community as a Trustee on the Village Board.
Colin’s commitment to Arlington Heights extends well beyond his public service and professional career. He served as the President of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce and prior to that as an Executive Board Member, is a former member of the Village’s Special Events Commission, a founding board member of Gerry’s Café, and has served on numerous local boards and organizations dedicated to strengthening the community – including through Arlington Heights youth sports.
As owner of Tuscan Market & Wine Shop from 2015 to 2021, Colin worked alongside fellow business owners and gained firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Arlington Heights’ business community. That experience continues to shape his support for responsible economic development and a vibrant downtown.
Colin also has devoted countless hours to youth athletics, serving in leadership roles with local baseball and youth sports organizations.
He is deeply invested in the future of Arlington Heights and remains committed to listening to residents, supporting first responders, maintaining critical infrastructure, encouraging responsible growth, and ensuring Arlington Heights remains an outstanding place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.
Public Servant
Colin’s service on the Village Board and previous role on the Special Events Commission have strengthened his commitment to serving Arlington Heights. He is dedicated to protecting taxpayers, maintaining transparency, enhancing essential services, and ensuring future development is planned thoughtfully and responsibly.
- Arlington Heights Village Trustee: Appointed October 2025 – Present
- Arlington Heights Special Events Commission Member: 2013-2015
Community Volunteer
Through years of coaching local youth, serving as a board member and commissioner for youth sports organizations, and helping to establish Gerry’s Café as a founding Board Member, Colin has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving others. These experiences have strengthened his belief that giving back is the foundation of a connected, thriving community, and lasting pride in Arlington Heights.
- Arlington Heights Youth Baseball Coach: 2021-Present
- Arlington Heights Youth Basketball Association Coach/House & Travel Leagues: 2021-Present
- Founding Board Member of Gerry’s Café, Arlington Heights: 2023 – Present
- Arlington Heights Youth Athletic Association Board Member: 2024 – Present
- John Hersey High School Athletic Feeder Association Board Member: 2024-Present
- Arlington Cardinals Travel Baseball Commissioner: 2024 – Present
Business Community Member & Leader
As a local entrepreneur and business owner, Colin understands a thriving business community is essential to a strong Arlington Heights. Vibrant local businesses provide services and amenities residents rely on, create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and expand the tax base to support essential services and help keep property taxes low. This is why he has invested in Arlington Heights by owning a business here, and serving in leadership roles with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.
- Founding Partner/Attorney at Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella Law Firm, Palatine: 2012-present
- Owner of Tuscan Market and Wine Shop, Arlington Heights: 2015-2021
- Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce President: 2016
- Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce President Executive Board Member: 2009-2016
Awards & Recognitions
The greatest reward for Colin has always been the opportunity to serve Arlington Heights. Receiving two community awards was a meaningful honor, recognizing his dedication to public service, volunteerism, and his commitment as a local business owner to helping strengthen the Village’s economy, business community, and overall quality of life.
- Community Leader of the Year, Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce: 2025
- Business Leader of the Year, Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce: 2019
Family & Personal Background
Colin married his high school sweetheart, Lisa, in 2008. They chose to make Arlington Heights their home – and where they would raise their children – in 2010. Together they have three boys; one who is 14 years old, and 11-year old twins.
- Arlington Heights Resident Since 2008
- John Hersey High School Graduate
- Bachelor’s Degree from University of Illinois
- Law Degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law
- Devoted husband to Lisa, and proud father to three boys; one who attends John Hersey High School, and twins who attend Thomas Middle School.
