Commissioners thank Rogers for ‘exemplary leadership’ as interim administrator

As the Cook County government prepares for a change in leadership, the Board of Commissioners took time to thank Interim County Administrator Rena Rogers for her time in the role. Kristin Trebil-Halbersma will begin her tenure as administrator on Aug. 4, at which point Rogers will assist with the transition in leadership and end her time with the county.

The July 22 Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting was Rogers’ last as interim administrator. This was her second time serving in the role. This time, she filled the role for four months and oversaw the second round of recruitment for someone to fill the role permanently. She followed MIS Director Rowan Watkins, who acted as interim administrator after Administrator James Joerke resigned upon the death of his spouse.

To mark the final meeting for Rogers, each commissioner, along with Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers, County Attorney Jeanne Peterson, and Executive Administrative Assistant Jana Kokemiller-Berka all shared their appreciation for Rogers’ service to the county.

Commissioner Ann Sullivan said, “You stepped into this critical leadership role during a time of transition, and your steady
presence, thoughtful decision-making, and clear communication provided continuity and confidence throughout the organization.”

Though Rogers took on the role only short-term, Commissioner Garry Gamble commented on her commitment, saying, “She hasn’t looked at it from the lens of short term service. She looked at it from the sense of stewardship and obligation with long term issues, willing to tackle very difficult and very hard things that she could have excused herself from because it’s just a short term position.”

At the meeting Rogers also offered her thanks. “Thank you all for your trust. It’s very humbling to sit here and have you say those things. I, I. I have always believed that, like my personal mission is try to leave it better than you found it,” she said. “I take it very seriously that we have to build an environment here of culture where our employees are empowered and they understand the value that they have in this community so that they can go out and serve the people that need their services, and do that in a way that helps build the community. And so it’s always forefront of my mind, and I just think you guys have such a great future ahead of you.”

Audio from this portion of  the July 22 meeting can be found below.

Kirsten Wisniewski July 24, 2025