Michael Mounts
Participant Trustee
Lieutenant Michael Mounts is a 23-year veteran of the Lake Forest Fire Department and a dedicated leader in the fire service. He serves as a Hazardous Materials Technician with the MABAS Division 4/5 team, a Field Instructor for the Illinois Fire Service Institute Officer Program and is the President of the Illinois Professional Firefighters Association. He previously served as President of Local 1898 Union Board and is currently the Board President of the Lake Forest Firefighters’ Pension Fund.
Mike began his fire service career in 1994 as a cadet with the Homewood Fire Department and later earned an associate degree in Fire Science from Harper College in 2007. Over the past decade, he has been an active member of the Lake Forest Firefighters’ Pension Fund, attending numerous training seminars on Article 3 and 4 pension systems and becoming an instructor on pension-related topics for multiple organizations. Under his leadership, the fund's investment assets have grown from $32 million to $57 million, with the funding level increasing from 72% to 80%.
Beyond his local impact, Mike has worked alongside state officials, union representatives, and members of the Department of Insurance on public safety pension policies, advocating for responsible and sustainable financial decisions. His goal is to ensure long-term stability and fiscal responsibility while prioritizing the best interests of fund participants.