Cook County Government Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cook County Government has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative strategy, public service delivery, policy development, and technological infrastructure.

Committed to providing essential public services to millions of residents, Cook County Government maintains a robust framework for healthcare, legal operations, and public safety across the region.

Leadership Roles at Cook County Government

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jeannie Aguilar
  • Chief of Staff - T'challa Ross
  • Chief Technology Officer - Sharon Cook
  • Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner - Julie Kaviar
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy - Rachel Ruttenberg
  • Chief of Staff, Seventh District - Adriana MorenoNevarez
  • Chief of Staff & County Cook & Junior Michael Scott Commissioner - Breana Braden
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Elizabeth Polmanski
  • Deputy Director - Lisa Alexander
  • Deputy Director - Mark Rosenthal
  • Jeannie Aguilar - Chief Executive Officer

    Jeannie Aguilar, the Chief Executive Officer at Cook County Government, directs the overarching administrative strategy for the second-most populous county in the United States. Aguilar manages the integration of diverse public services, ranging from healthcare facilities to legal systems, ensuring operational efficiency across all departments. By aligning departmental goals with the broader mission of public service, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to meet the needs of a vast and diverse population. This leadership role involves constant coordination with the Board of Commissioners to implement policies that enhance public safety and property assessment accuracy. Through rigorous oversight of administrative offices, Jeannie Aguilar maintains the integrity of county operations. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the long-term vision for sustainable governance and improved service delivery for all residents within the jurisdiction.

    T'challa Ross - Chief of Staff

    T'challa Ross, the Chief of Staff at Cook County Government, coordinates executive priorities and manages the flow of information between the Board of Commissioners and various administrative departments. Ross facilitates the execution of high-level policy decisions, ensuring that all organizational units remain aligned with the core mission of public service. By managing the daily operations of the executive office, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on long-term strategic goals and regional initiatives. This role involves mediating complex inter-departmental issues and ensuring that public safety and healthcare objectives receive necessary support. T'challa Ross maintains rigorous standards for administrative communication and project management, driving efficiency across the entire government structure. Through the oversight of key staff functions, the Chief of Staff ensures that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the public while maintaining fiscal and operational discipline.

    Sharon Cook - Chief Technology Officer

    Sharon Cook, the Chief Technology Officer at Cook County Government, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern public service delivery. Cook directs the implementation of secure, scalable technology solutions across healthcare facilities, legal offices, and administrative departments. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Technology Officer improves the accessibility of public records and streamlines tax collection processes for residents. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to enhance public safety and data security throughout the county. Sharon Cook collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate digital tools that increase operational transparency and efficiency. Through the management of complex IT projects, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the government remains resilient against cyber threats while providing seamless digital experiences. Ultimately, Cook drives the technological transformation necessary to support the evolving needs of a large, diverse population.

    Julie Kaviar - Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner

    Julie Kaviar, the Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner at Cook County Government, manages the legislative and administrative agenda for the commissioner's office. Kaviar directs the development of policy initiatives that address the specific needs of the district, ensuring that local concerns are represented within the broader county framework. By coordinating with the Board of Commissioners, the Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner facilitates the passage of ordinances and the allocation of resources for public services. This role involves building consensus among stakeholders and ensuring that the commissioner's office remains responsive to constituent inquiries. Julie Kaviar oversees the daily operations of the office, maintaining high standards for public engagement and administrative accuracy. Through the strategic management of legislative priorities, the Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner supports the overall mission of effective and equitable governance.

    Rachel Ruttenberg - Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy

    Rachel Ruttenberg, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy at Cook County Government, leads the research and development of legislative frameworks that guide county operations. Ruttenberg directs the analysis of public policy impacts on healthcare, legal services, and property assessment, ensuring that all initiatives align with the long-term goals of the government. By synthesizing complex data into actionable policy recommendations, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy provides the executive team with the insights necessary for informed decision-making. This role involves collaborating with external agencies and internal departments to draft regulations that improve public safety and administrative efficiency. Rachel Ruttenberg monitors the legislative landscape to anticipate challenges and opportunities for the county. Through the rigorous evaluation of policy outcomes, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy ensures that the government remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality, equitable services to all residents.

    Adriana MorenoNevarez - Chief of Staff, Seventh District

    Adriana MorenoNevarez, the Chief of Staff, Seventh District at Cook County Government, oversees the administrative and constituent service operations for the Seventh District. MorenoNevarez directs the implementation of local programs that support public safety, healthcare access, and community development within the district. By managing the office staff and coordinating with county-wide departments, the Chief of Staff, Seventh District ensures that the specific needs of the local population are addressed effectively. This role involves facilitating communication between residents and the Board of Commissioners to resolve issues related to property assessment and tax collection. Adriana MorenoNevarez maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all district-level services are delivered with transparency and efficiency. Through the management of local initiatives, the Chief of Staff, Seventh District contributes to the broader mission of the government by fostering strong community relationships and promoting equitable access to essential public resources.

    Breana Braden - Chief of Staff & County Cook & Junior Michael Scott Commissioner

    Breana Braden, the Chief of Staff & County Cook & Junior Michael Scott Commissioner at Cook County Government, manages the strategic operations and legislative agenda for the commissioner's office. Braden directs the coordination of public service initiatives, ensuring that the district's priorities are integrated into the county's overall policy framework. By overseeing the daily activities of the office, the Chief of Staff & County Cook & Junior Michael Scott Commissioner facilitates effective communication between the commissioner and the public. This role involves analyzing policy proposals and managing the administrative processes required to support the delivery of healthcare and legal services within the district. Breana Braden ensures that all office operations adhere to the highest standards of public service and fiscal responsibility. Through the management of legislative and administrative tasks, the Chief of Staff & County Cook & Junior Michael Scott Commissioner supports the government's mission of providing essential services to the community.

    Elizabeth Polmanski - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Elizabeth Polmanski, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Cook County Government, supports the executive leadership in managing the complex administrative functions of the county. Polmanski directs the coordination of cross-departmental projects, ensuring that initiatives related to public safety and record-keeping remain on schedule and within budget. By facilitating communication between the Chief of Staff and various department heads, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals are met with precision. This role involves monitoring the progress of key policy implementations and providing the executive team with regular updates on operational performance. Elizabeth Polmanski manages the administrative workflow of the executive office, fostering an environment of collaboration and efficiency. Through the oversight of critical support functions, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the government remains focused on its mission of providing essential services to the residents of the county.

    Lisa Alexander - Deputy Director

    Lisa Alexander, the Deputy Director at Cook County Government, manages internal operational workflows and departmental coordination to support the delivery of essential public services. Alexander focuses on streamlining administrative processes within the legal and record-keeping divisions, ensuring that public resources remain accessible and efficiently managed. By collaborating with various department heads, the Deputy Director identifies bottlenecks in service delivery and implements scalable solutions to improve resident outcomes. This role requires constant monitoring of performance metrics to ensure compliance with county policies and state regulations. Lisa Alexander facilitates communication between the executive leadership and frontline staff, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. Through the management of complex administrative projects, the Deputy Director strengthens the operational foundation of the organization, directly supporting the broader mission of providing high-quality public services across the county.

    Mark Rosenthal - Deputy Director

    Mark Rosenthal, the Deputy Director at Cook County Government, oversees the strategic implementation of public safety initiatives and property assessment protocols. Rosenthal directs the coordination of tax collection systems and administrative record-keeping, ensuring that these critical functions operate with precision and reliability. By analyzing regional data trends, the Deputy Director develops frameworks that enhance the accuracy of property valuations and the efficiency of tax processing. This leadership position involves working closely with the Board of Commissioners to align operational activities with fiscal objectives. Mark Rosenthal manages cross-departmental teams to ensure that public safety services remain responsive to the evolving needs of the community. Through the application of data-driven management techniques, the Deputy Director improves the overall effectiveness of county operations, ensuring that public resources are utilized to maximize benefit for all residents.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Government

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cook County Government Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cook County Government?
    Cook County Government is led by Jeannie Aguilar (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as T'challa Ross (Chief of Staff) and Sharon Cook (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Cook County Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cook County Government includes leaders such as Jeannie Aguilar (Chief Executive Officer), T'challa Ross (Chief of Staff), Sharon Cook (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cook County Government have?
    Cook County Government has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cook County Government’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cook County Government includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner, Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy.