The Village Mayor serves as president of the Village Board, which is the legislative body that establishes the resolutions and ordinances that govern the community.  The Mayor of Maywood is an elected position that is served in four year terms.

Mayor Henderson Yarbrough has been a resident of Maywood for more than thirty five year; and the one word that best characterizes his essence is “service.”

Born in Byhalia, Mississippi, Henderson was one of eleven children whose parents ingrained into their children the virtues of hard work, faith, education, family and community. The Yarbroughs were land-owners and farmers who helped the community by feeding the hungry, advocating on behalf of those who could not read and providing a place to stay for the homeless. His mother served as the community midwife and she is credited with assisting in the delivery of over one thousand children.

After matriculating through the public school system, Henderson Yarbrough furthered his education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri.  He later served his country as a Specialist E-5 in the U.S. Army.  He then moved to Chicago, and later relocated to Maywood, Illinois.

Henderson Yarbrough has held numerous positions with the Village of Maywood including: Special Projects Coordinator, Acting Public Works Director, Code Enforcement Officer, Administrative Assistant to the Public Works Director, and Administrative Assistant to the Village Manager and now Mayor of the Village of Maywood.

He has also served the community in numerous service related capacities including Worshipful Master of Jeptha Lodge #90 Prince Hall affiliate; President, South Maywood Community Action Committee; Member, North Maywood Community Organization; President, Maywood Alliance for Better Government Association; Executive  Director of the Maywood United Way;  President, Maywood Rotary Club; and Deacon of St. James Community Baptist Church.

The Mayor’s unwavering commitment is to “serve” the community by improving the quality of life for all Maywoodians.  The overarching theme for his administration is to work hard to attract talent and resources that will “make Maywood better than it’s ever been!”

Married for over twenty years to State Rep. Karen Yarbrough, the Yarbroughs have a blended family of six children and twelve grandchildren – all of whom are the joys of their lives. Henderson Yarbrough delights in being a shining example of “service” to his family and the expectation is that each member will find meaningful ways to engage in community service.

Click here to see the Mayor's Notes to the Village