The resignation of County Administrator James Yori was a primary focus, following his decision to step down due to personal circumstances. Yori’s departure, influenced by the recent loss of his wife and responsibilities in Kansas City, brought attention to the administrative changes the Board must now navigate. The Chair expressed regret and sorrow in accepting Yori’s resignation, acknowledging the critical role he played, particularly in the Budget Advisory Committee.

In response, the Board set in motion plans to fill the vacant position by mid-January. The meeting emphasized the importance of an inclusive approach, involving all commissioners in the recruitment process. The Board considered engaging David Drown Associates (DDA), a consulting firm previously utilized for similar recruitments. Allison Plumber provided a detailed account of DDA’s capabilities.

DDA’s proposed recruitment plan spans three to four months and includes creating a comprehensive candidate profile. This profile would be developed from feedback gathered from board members and staff, contributing to a detailed job description and insights into the Cook County community. The recruitment process would involve a multi-stage evaluation of candidates, including personality assessments and video interviews. The job would be advertised extensively, with outreach to potential candidates through platforms like LinkedIn and direct engagement with educational institutions and past applicants.

The proposal also considered the potential for community interactions, allowing public engagement with candidates during the interview process. Despite consensus on the need for a structured recruitment approach, there was a call for patience and inclusivity, especially in the absence of Commissioner Johnson, who was deemed essential to the discussions on the administrative structure.

Debate emerged regarding the current administrative form of government in Cook County, with one commissioner questioning its effectiveness given the turnover of three administrators. This evaluation could be conducted during the upcoming budget meeting, which would serve as a platform for gathering feedback from those involved in the government structure.

The interim administrator, Rohan Watkins, received acknowledgment for effectively managing the situation amidst these transitions. The meeting concluded with a plan to engage department heads during an upcoming MAT team meeting, providing an opportunity for staff to share their experiences and recommendations regarding the administrative form of government.

Additionally, logistical considerations were addressed, including thanks to the auditor for providing meeting space amid election-related scheduling conflicts. The assistant County attorney, Jean Peterson, was introduced, highlighting readiness to handle any legal inquiries related to ongoing discussions.