Cook County PHHS teams recognized by state for performance

During the April meeting of the Cook County Public Health and Human Services Board, Director Grace Grinager announced the department received multiple awards from the state.

The first award recognized the department’s economic assistance team for exceeding the state’s timeliness benchmark in processing SNAP and cash assistance applications.

“There’s a statewide benchmark, and they have exceeded that level for their performance on processing applications in a timely manner,” Grinager told the board during the April 21 meeting. “We have fantastic staff in PHHS, and it’s always wonderful to get kudos directly from the state for their good work.”

The second award recognized the financial team, which received a commendation from the Minnesota Department of Human Services for submitting all required reports on or before their deadlines.

“I know this accomplishment requires planning, an efficient operation, and teamwork within your county
Human Service Department. The result is timely revenue for your county and compliance with federal
reporting for us at the State. Please congratulate your management and staff on this superb effort,” said DHS Commissioner Shireen Gandhi in a letter to Cook County Commissioner Ginny Storlie.

Commissioners noted the recognition came during a period of transition, when financial team lead Plamen Dimitrov also served as interim Public Health and Human Services director.

“It’s significant that that recognition came at a time when the pieces were moving so much,” County Commissioner Gary Gamble said during the PHHS board meeting. “So to be able to accomplish that with the extra backpacks you were carrying, and it underscores even more the achievement in view of that.”

WTIP spoke to Grace Ginager about her director’s report during the board meeting.  The audio of that conversation can be found below.

Josh Hinke May 4, 2026