Cook County Government Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cook County Government has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, administrative operations, financial management, technology infrastructure, and legislative affairs.

Committed to delivering essential public services to millions of residents, Cook County Government prioritizes transparent governance, efficient resource allocation, and the continuous improvement of healthcare, public safety, and legal systems across the region.

Leadership Roles at Cook County Government

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jeannie Aguilar
  • Chief Financial Officer - Angela Manning-Hardimon
  • President, Office of The -Government & Legislative Affairs - Lisbeth Leanos
  • Chief of Staff - Lanetta HaynesTurner
  • Chief Technology Officer - Hema Sundaram
  • Chief Information Officer - Darren Ganir
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Elizabeth Polmanski
  • Chief of Staff & General Counsel - La'Mont Williams
  • Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner - Julie Kaviar
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Daniel Korso
  • Jeannie Aguilar - Chief Executive Officer

    Jeannie Aguilar, the Chief Executive Officer at Cook County Government, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Aguilar manages the implementation of public policy across diverse departments, ensuring alignment with the needs of the most populous county in Illinois. By coordinating with the Board of Commissioners, the Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that enhance healthcare delivery, public safety, and legal services. This leadership role involves balancing complex budgetary requirements with the mandate to provide high-quality services to residents. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Jeannie Aguilar maintains operational excellence and accountability. The Chief Executive Officer fosters collaboration between various county agencies to streamline service delivery. Ultimately, Aguilar secures the long-term stability of public resources while advancing the mission of providing equitable access to government services throughout the entire county jurisdiction.

    Angela Manning-Hardimon - Chief Financial Officer

    Angela Manning-Hardimon, the Chief Financial Officer at Cook County Government, oversees the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the organization. Manning-Hardimon manages tax collection processes, property assessment financial reporting, and the allocation of public funds across essential services. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and compliance with state and federal regulations. This leadership role involves analyzing economic trends to forecast revenue and mitigate financial risks for the county. Angela Manning-Hardimon directs the preparation of comprehensive financial statements that inform the decision-making process of the Board of Commissioners. Through meticulous management of public resources, the Chief Financial Officer supports the sustainability of healthcare facilities and legal departments. Manning-Hardimon maintains fiscal discipline to guarantee that taxpayer dollars support critical infrastructure and community programs effectively. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial integrity of the entire government operation.

    Lisbeth Leanos - President, Office of The -Government & Legislative Affairs

    Lisbeth Leanos, the President, Office of The -Government & Legislative Affairs at Cook County Government, directs the legislative strategy and intergovernmental relations for the organization. Leanos manages the advocacy efforts required to secure funding and support for county programs at the state and federal levels. By monitoring legislative developments, the President, Office of The -Government & Legislative Affairs ensures that the government remains proactive in addressing policy changes. This role involves building coalitions with other government entities to advance the interests of the county. Lisbeth Leanos coordinates the communication of policy priorities to elected officials and stakeholders. Through the strategic management of legislative affairs, the President, Office of The -Government & Legislative Affairs supports the long-term growth and stability of the organization. Leanos ensures that the government maintains a strong voice in regional and national policy discussions. Ultimately, the President, Office of The -Government & Legislative Affairs secures the necessary support to sustain essential public services.
    Lisbeth Leanos

    Lanetta HaynesTurner - Chief of Staff

    Lanetta HaynesTurner, the Chief of Staff at Cook County Government, manages the daily operations of the executive office. HaynesTurner coordinates communication between departments to ensure the seamless execution of policy directives. By facilitating high-level meetings and managing internal workflows, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of the administrative team. This role involves translating the strategic goals of the organization into actionable tasks for various county divisions. Lanetta HaynesTurner monitors the progress of key projects, ensuring that all initiatives meet the rigorous standards required for public service. Through proactive problem-solving and resource management, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of the government. HaynesTurner maintains strong relationships with stakeholders to foster a cohesive environment. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the operational success of the organization by aligning departmental activities with the core objectives of the county leadership.

    Hema Sundaram - Chief Technology Officer

    Hema Sundaram, the Chief Technology Officer at Cook County Government, architects the digital transformation strategy for the organization. Sundaram manages the development of advanced software solutions to modernize public service delivery and administrative record-keeping. By integrating emerging technologies into existing systems, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the accessibility of government data for residents. This role involves overseeing the lifecycle of digital platforms, from initial design to long-term maintenance. Hema Sundaram collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that technological investments align with the broader mission of improving public safety and legal efficiency. Through the implementation of secure, scalable systems, the Chief Technology Officer protects sensitive information while optimizing internal workflows. Sundaram drives innovation by identifying opportunities to automate manual processes. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the technological infrastructure remains resilient and capable of supporting the diverse needs of the county population.

    Darren Ganir - Chief Information Officer

    Darren Ganir, the Chief Information Officer at Cook County Government, manages the enterprise-wide data strategy and information security protocols. Ganir oversees the maintenance of critical databases that support property assessment, tax records, and public safety systems. By establishing rigorous cybersecurity frameworks, the Chief Information Officer safeguards the integrity of government information against external threats. This leadership role involves directing the IT operations team to ensure high availability of essential services for all county departments. Darren Ganir coordinates with stakeholders to implement data-driven solutions that improve the accuracy of public records. Through the strategic management of information assets, the Chief Information Officer supports the operational efficiency of the entire organization. Ganir ensures that all digital systems comply with privacy regulations and industry standards. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer provides the foundational data architecture necessary for the government to function effectively and serve the public with transparency.
    Darren Ganir

    Elizabeth Polmanski - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Elizabeth Polmanski, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Cook County Government, assists in the coordination of high-priority administrative initiatives. Polmanski manages the flow of information between the executive office and various county departments to ensure consistent policy implementation. By overseeing special projects and tracking departmental performance metrics, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the achievement of organizational goals. This role involves preparing briefings and reports that facilitate informed decision-making by senior leadership. Elizabeth Polmanski fosters inter-departmental cooperation to resolve operational bottlenecks and improve service delivery. Through diligent monitoring of project timelines, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all initiatives remain on schedule. Polmanski maintains a focus on operational efficiency to support the broader mission of the government. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff provides the necessary administrative support to keep the executive office functioning at peak performance levels.

    La'Mont Williams - Chief of Staff & General Counsel

    La'Mont Williams, the Chief of Staff & General Counsel at Cook County Government, provides legal guidance while managing executive office operations. Williams oversees the legal review of policies and contracts to ensure compliance with local and state laws. By advising the leadership team on complex regulatory matters, the Chief of Staff & General Counsel mitigates legal risks for the organization. This dual role involves balancing administrative responsibilities with the duty to protect the government from litigation. La'Mont Williams coordinates with legal departments to address issues related to public safety and administrative procedures. Through the application of legal expertise, the Chief of Staff & General Counsel supports the ethical implementation of government programs. Williams ensures that all executive actions align with statutory requirements. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & General Counsel secures the legal foundation of the government, allowing for the effective delivery of public services.

    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 priorities for the commissioner's office. Kaviar coordinates the development of policy proposals that address the specific needs of the district. By facilitating communication between the commissioner and the public, the Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner ensures that constituent concerns receive appropriate attention. This role involves overseeing the daily operations of the office and managing staff to achieve legislative objectives. Julie Kaviar monitors the progress of county-wide initiatives to ensure alignment with the commissioner's vision. Through proactive engagement with community stakeholders, the Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner drives the success of local programs. Kaviar maintains a focus on efficient service delivery. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Office of County Cook & Scott Britton Commissioner supports the effective representation of residents.

    Daniel Korso - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Daniel Korso, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Cook County Government, manages the execution of strategic projects across multiple departments. Korso oversees the coordination of resources to ensure that public service initiatives meet established performance targets. By analyzing operational data, the Deputy Chief of Staff identifies opportunities to improve the efficiency of government processes. This role involves working closely with department heads to align their activities with the overarching goals of the executive office. Daniel Korso facilitates communication to ensure that all teams remain informed and focused on their objectives. Through the management of complex workflows, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the delivery of high-quality services to the public. Korso maintains a commitment to operational excellence by streamlining administrative tasks. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff drives the successful implementation of government policies, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the county residents.

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    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 Angela Manning-Hardimon (Chief Financial Officer) and Lisbeth Leanos (President, Office of The -Government & Legislative Affairs).
    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), Angela Manning-Hardimon (Chief Financial Officer), Lisbeth Leanos (President, Office of The -Government & Legislative Affairs) 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 Financial Officer, President, Office of The -Government & Legislative Affairs, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer.