This week on The Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland welcomes Eric Van Hook former Police Chief and current Mayor of O’Fallon, Illinois for a conversation about leadership, public service, and navigating high-pressure situations with clarity and confidence. Eric shares the early influences that drew him to a life of service, the evolution of his leadership philosophy, and how crisis management has shaped his approach to decision-making.

From working in corrections to becoming Police Chief and now mayor, Eric emphasizes the importance of preparation, communication, and surrounding yourself with a capable team. He discusses how critical moments like responding to school safety threats or managing public emergencies have taught him the value of systems thinking, adaptability, and leading with calm and compassion.

Eric Van Hook is the newly elected Mayor of O’Fallon, Illinois. With over 30 years of public service experience, he served in the city’s law enforcement from 1990 to 2021, ultimately as Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police. His leadership earned him numerous accolades, including the 2019 Illinois “Police Chief of the Year” and the 2022 “Olympian Award.” He’s a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and holds degrees in Human Resource Management and Criminal Justice. Eric continues to serve his community as a real estate broker, City Council Member, and through his involvement in Rotary, youth sports, and the Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Laura, are longtime O’Fallon residents, proud parents of four, and grandparents of three. His mayoral vision is focused on strategic, people-first leadership.

Eric Van Hook: From Police Chief to Mayor and the Power of Purposeful Leadership