Cook County Government Executive and Leadership Team

Jeannie Aguilar, the Chief Executive Officer at Cook County Government, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire organization. Aguilar manages the complex interplay between public safety, healthcare delivery, and administrative efficiency to ensure the county meets the needs of its diverse population. By aligning departmental goals with the broader mission of public service, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation across all county facilities. Aguilar maintains constant communication with the Board of Commissioners to implement policy changes that improve service delivery. This leadership role requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the mandate to provide high-quality legal and property assessment services. Through rigorous oversight of operational workflows, Jeannie Aguilar drives the organization toward greater transparency and accountability. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term stability of the county infrastructure while fostering an environment of continuous improvement for all residents.

Raymond Balcarcel, the Chief Financial Officer at Cook County Government, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning of the entire organization. Balcarcel directs the tax collection and property assessment financial workflows to ensure accurate revenue reporting. By overseeing the allocation of public funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all departments have the resources necessary to fulfill their mandates. Balcarcel collaborates with the Board of Commissioners to develop long-term financial strategies that support the growth of the county. This role involves monitoring economic trends and adjusting fiscal policies to maintain stability. Raymond Balcarcel drives the implementation of transparent accounting practices that build public trust. Through the rigorous analysis of financial data, the Chief Financial Officer identifies cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality. Balcarcel maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the government remains a reliable steward of taxpayer resources while supporting essential public services.

T'challa Ross, the Chief of Staff at Cook County Government, coordinates the strategic priorities of the executive office. Ross manages the flow of information between departments and the Board of Commissioners to ensure alignment on critical policy initiatives. By facilitating high-level meetings, the Chief of Staff enables efficient decision-making processes across the organization. Ross oversees the development of internal communications strategies that keep all stakeholders informed of government objectives. This role involves managing the executive schedule and prioritizing issues that require immediate attention. T'challa Ross drives the implementation of organizational goals by fostering collaboration among diverse leadership teams. Through the effective management of the executive office, the Chief of Staff ensures that the government remains responsive to the evolving needs of the public. Ross maintains a focus on long-term planning, ensuring that current actions support the future growth and stability of the county.

Sean Johnson, the Chief Information Officer at Cook County Government, architects the digital infrastructure that supports all public services. Johnson manages the security and reliability of the county's data systems, ensuring that sensitive records remain protected. By overseeing the integration of new software solutions, the Chief Information Officer improves the accessibility of government services for all residents. Johnson directs the IT department in maintaining the hardware and network systems necessary for daily operations. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to align technology investments with the strategic goals of the organization. Sean Johnson drives the digital transformation of administrative processes, reducing reliance on paper-based systems. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer safeguards the integrity of the county's information assets. Johnson maintains a focus on innovation, ensuring that the government utilizes modern tools to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Sharon Cook, the Chief Technology Officer at Cook County Government, leads the development of advanced technical solutions for public service delivery. Cook manages the research and implementation of emerging technologies that enhance the efficiency of county operations. By overseeing the engineering teams, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all software and hardware systems meet the highest standards of performance. Cook collaborates with the IT department to integrate new tools into existing workflows, improving the overall user experience for residents. This role involves evaluating the scalability of technical projects to ensure they meet the needs of a large, diverse population. Sharon Cook drives the adoption of cloud-based infrastructure to support the modernization of government services. Through the strategic application of technology, the Chief Technology Officer enables more effective data management and service accessibility. Cook maintains a focus on technical excellence, ensuring that the county remains at the forefront of digital innovation.

Rachel Ruttenberg, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy at Cook County Government, architects the policy framework that guides the organization's legislative agenda. Ruttenberg manages the research and analysis of proposed regulations to ensure they align with the mission of public service. By coordinating with legal and administrative departments, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy ensures that all policies are legally sound and operationally feasible. Ruttenberg facilitates discussions between stakeholders to build consensus on complex issues affecting the county. This role involves drafting policy recommendations that address the evolving needs of the community. Rachel Ruttenberg drives the implementation of strategic initiatives that promote equity and efficiency in government services. Through the careful evaluation of policy impacts, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy supports the long-term goals of the executive office. Ruttenberg maintains a focus on evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that all policies contribute to the overall well-being of the residents.

Daniel Korso, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Cook County Government, manages the operational coordination of the executive office. Korso directs the daily activities that support the Chief of Staff in executing the strategic vision of the organization. By overseeing administrative projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all tasks are completed on time and within scope. Korso facilitates communication between various departments to resolve operational challenges and improve workflow efficiency. This role involves managing special projects that require cross-departmental collaboration. Daniel Korso drives the implementation of organizational improvements that enhance the responsiveness of the government. Through the effective management of office resources, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of the executive team. Korso maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the government remains organized and capable of meeting the diverse needs of the public while supporting the strategic goals of the leadership.

David Byrnes, the Chief of Staff & Chief & Deputy Treasurer at Cook County Government, manages the intersection of executive strategy and financial oversight. Byrnes directs the treasury operations, ensuring the accurate management of public funds and the integrity of financial reporting. By coordinating with the finance department, the Chief of Staff & Chief & Deputy Treasurer ensures that fiscal policies align with the strategic objectives of the county. Byrnes oversees the administrative functions that support the treasurer's office, improving the efficiency of tax collection and fund distribution. This role involves balancing the demands of executive leadership with the technical requirements of financial management. David Byrnes drives the implementation of financial controls that protect taxpayer assets. Through the integration of strategic planning and fiscal oversight, the Chief of Staff & Chief & Deputy Treasurer supports the long-term stability of the government. Byrnes maintains a focus on accountability, ensuring that all financial activities remain transparent and effective.

Jeanetta Cardine, the Deputy Director at Cook County Government, oversees the daily execution of public service programs within the healthcare and social services sectors. Cardine manages the operational logistics required to maintain high standards of care across county-run facilities. By coordinating with department heads, the Deputy Director ensures that service delivery remains consistent and accessible to the public. Cardine focuses on streamlining internal processes to reduce wait times and improve the overall experience for county residents. This role involves monitoring performance metrics to identify areas for operational enhancement. Jeanetta Cardine drives initiatives that integrate modern management practices into traditional government functions. Through the diligent application of administrative oversight, the Deputy Director supports the broader mission of the organization. Cardine maintains a sharp focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every department functions at peak capacity to serve the needs of the community.

Kevin Schnoes, the Deputy Director at Cook County Government, manages the complex logistics of public safety and legal service departments. Schnoes directs the implementation of policies designed to enhance the efficiency of court operations and record-keeping systems. By analyzing departmental data, the Deputy Director identifies opportunities to modernize workflows and reduce administrative bottlenecks. Schnoes coordinates with various stakeholders to ensure that public safety initiatives align with the strategic goals of the county. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the regulatory environment governing local government operations. Kevin Schnoes drives the adoption of new management frameworks that prioritize public accessibility and service reliability. Through the careful monitoring of resource utilization, the Deputy Director ensures that legal and safety departments operate within budgetary constraints. Schnoes maintains a commitment to operational integrity, fostering a culture of accountability that directly benefits the residents of the county.