Cook County board hires new administrator

The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted at a special meeting on June 30 to hire Kristen Trebil-Halbersma as the new county administrator.

Trebil-Halbersma was first offered the role on June 19, and has been in conversation with the county since then to determine contract details and discuss her transition into the community. Interim Administrator Rena Rogers previously told WTIP that she anticipates an overlap period as Trebil-Halbersma concludes her time with the National Center for State Courts, and Rogers prepares to hand on-going projects and business off to Trebil-Halbersma.

On June 30, Rogers said that Trebil-Halbersma will begin meeting staff, starting with the Management Advisory Team, as early as Monday, July 7.

During the special meeting, Commissioner Ann Sullivan commented on the public and staff input offered during the hiring process, saying “It’s really nice to see that there was such a consensus regarding this candidate.”

Commissioner Garry Gamble added his appreciation for everyone involved in the process, calling it a “growing experience” for the county.

In a press release issued on July 1, the county announced that Trebil-Halbersma plans to be working full-time in Cook County beginning on August 4.

Kirsten Wisniewski July 1, 2025