Nate Fields’ journey is one of perseverance, dedication, and an unbreakable bond with the community of Thornton Township. Born on April 16, 1991, at Rush Hospital on Chicago’s Westside, Nate’s early years were shaped by both the vibrance and challenges of city life. He was partially raised in Chicago on South Shore Drive, attending O'keefe Elementary for kindergarten through third grade. His family later moved to 81st and Vernon, where he continued his elementary education at Dixon. However, in late 2000, a new chapter began when Nate’s family settled in the Village of South Holland, Illinois. While attending Madison School District 151 and later graduating from Coolidge Junior High School in 2005, Nate’s community spirit began to take form. From 2002 to 2005, he played football for the South Holland Jets, a defining experience that ignited his passion for teamwork and leadership. These formative years shaped the young man who would dedicate his life to service, community engagement, and advocacy.

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Nate’s journey at Thornwood High School (2005-2009) saw him involved in multiple extracurricular activities, including wrestling, football, and track. However, it was in 2008 that his path took a significant turn when he applied for the Zuccarelli Assistance Program (ZAP), a summer initiative designed for high-achieving high school students. Through this program, he began to see Thornton Township not just as a place to live but as a community worth fighting for. He forged relationships with seniors, developed an intimate knowledge of the neighborhoods, and even navigated the township without the aid of GPS—he knew every street, every corner, and most importantly, the people who called it home.

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But life is rarely a straight path. In 2009, Nate faced a series of challenges that tested his resilience. As he struggled to balance work and school, his academic performance suffered, leading to his removal from extracurricular activities. Determined to carve his own way, Nate left home with nothing but three bags of clothes and the will to find his place in the world. Yet, something kept calling him back home—to Thornton Township. In the spring of 2010, he returned, eager to rejoin ZAP, only to be turned away. Rather than accept defeat, Nate took it upon himself to personally seek out the Township Supervisor, Frank M. Zuccarelli, for a chance to prove himself.

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That decision changed everything. On the morning of their meeting, Nate rode his bike from Harvey to South Holland, determined to make his case. He explained his struggles, his ambitions, and his unwavering commitment to his community. Frank Zuccarelli made a single phone call, and just like that, a new opportunity opened for Nate.

He worked his way up, from a ZAP Crew Member to Crew Leader, and eventually to Team Leader, responsible for training new hires and overseeing various public events. His dedication extended beyond Thornton Township—he volunteered with the Village of Thornton, assisted food pantries, and participated in environmental clean-up initiatives. His hands-on approach to service became a defining trait.

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Simultaneously, in 2010, Nate took on a role at South Suburban College as a Data Entry Operator while pursuing his General Educational Development (GED). By 2011, he had advanced to Registration Specialist, where he guided and assisted new students in navigating their educational journeys. His commitment to education and leadership continued to grow.

By 2013, Nate had risen to become the Manager of Student Life & Leadership, a position that allowed him to mentor students, organize awareness programs on alcohol and substance abuse, and facilitate health initiatives. He also supervised student workers and implemented policies for college ID issuance. All the while, he remained an integral part of Thornton Township, balancing both roles with an unwavering dedication to service.

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From 2010 to 2015, Nate played a vital role in the daily operations of Thornton Township, working closely with the senior services department, youth and family services, maintenance, and administration. His commitment extended beyond office walls—he assisted Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli even in his personal life, ensuring his well-being and supporting him in times of need.

In 2015, Nate transitioned to work exclusively for Thornton Township, taking on the role of Administrative Assistant to Supervisor Zuccarelli. In this position, he managed budgets, facilitated bill approvals, and handled sensitive materials critical to the township’s operations. By 2016, he had earned the title of Digital Media Specialist while maintaining his administrative duties. He spearheaded the township’s social media presence, managed its digital outreach efforts, created content, and acted as the face of Thornton Township in various public and online spaces. His efforts led Thornton Township to earn an award from the Township Officials of Illinois for Best Use of Social Media, including Best Illinois Township Website and Best Illinois Township Social Media, an achievement that was featured in the Lansing Journal. His work extended to search engine optimization, blog writing, and online research to keep the township at the forefront of digital engagement.

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In 2017, Nate became the President of the Thornton Township Young Democrats, further solidifying his role as a leader and advocate for his community. This position allowed him to engage young voters, drive political discussions, and foster civic engagement among the next generation of leaders.

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For over a decade, Nate Fields has poured his heart into Thornton Township, serving in nearly every capacity imaginable. His story is one of perseverance, growth, and a deep-rooted love for the community. He has been a mentor, a leader, a public servant, and most importantly, an unwavering advocate for the people of Thornton Township.

Now, more than ever, Nate Fields’ continued service is vital. As Thornton Township’s Supervisor, he will bring firsthand experience, a deep understanding of the community’s needs, and a passion for fostering growth and progress. His journey is proof of his resilience and dedication, and his leadership will ensure that every resident has a voice, every challenge is met with action, and every opportunity is maximized for the betterment of the township.

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Thornton Township deserves a leader who not only understands its history but has lived it—someone who has walked its streets, worked alongside its residents, and fought for its future. That leader is Nate Fields.