Chick-fil-A general manager appointed O’Fallon alderman

O’Fallon Mayor Gary Graham on Monday appointed a longtime resident as a Ward 3 alderman.

Matthew Gilreath, 36, will replace Jerry Mouser, who recently tendered his resignation.

The 68-year-old Mouser recently moved out of his Ward 3 home and into a new residence in Ward 2.

Gilreath is the general manager of the Chick-fil-A at Belleville’s Green Mount Commons, where he has worked since September 2014.

He also works part-time at Schildknecht Funeral Home, where he is a counselor.

Gilreath spent four years in the insurance industry before that.

Gilreath said on Monday he considered running for school board, but he will put those plans on hold.

“I, however, plan to run for Mouser’s vacated position next spring,” he said.

Gilreath said on Monday he “got the itch” to become an alderman after Mouser tendered his resignation.

According to the city charter, when a vacancy occurs on the council, the position shall be filled by a selection of the mayor. The council confirmed his appointment by a unanimous vote Monday.

“I look forward to continuing his late grandpa’s Wally Phillips’ tradition,” he said.

Phillips was the president at the Bank of O’Fallon from 1979-1987 and was always very civic minded, he said.

Gilreath is a 1998 graduate of O’Fallon Township High School. While at OTHS, Gilreath was a member of the Panthers football and baseball teams. He was also a member of the Madrigal and show choirs.

In his free time, Gilreath is usually on the golf course or fulfilling his favorite and most important responsibility being, “Uncle Matt,” to his two nephews and niece.

Gilreath also coaches and officiates high school baseball and basketball games.

This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Chick-fil-A general manager appointed O’Fallon alderman."