New Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill Sworn In

Cook County Board Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill was sworn in in the presence of State of Illinois elected officials, Chicago aldermen, suburban mayors, clergy members, and residents gathered in the Cook County Commissioner Board Room.

On January 16, 2025, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, along with the full Cook County Board of Commissioners and countywide elected officials, officially welcomed Dr. Kisha McCaskill to the Cook County Board as she was sworn into office by the Honorable Appellate Court Justice Cynthia Cobbs.

State of Illinois elected officials, Chicago aldermen, suburban mayors, clergy members, and residents gathered in the Cook County Board Room to celebrate Commissioner McCaskill’s appointment.

On January 10, 2025, Illinois State Senator and Thornton Township Committeeman Napoleon Harris III, joined by ten other Chicago and South Suburban Democratic committeemen, convened to select a candidate to fill the vacant 5th District Cook County Commissioner seat. The vacancy arose following the election of former Commissioner Monica Gordon to the position of Cook County Clerk in November 2024. The selection process took place at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois.

Following presentations from five candidates, the committeemen overwhelmingly appointed Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill, a well-known Democratic organizer, former school teacher, and Harvey Park District Executive Director, to serve as the new Cook County Commissioner for the 5th District. McCaskill will complete the remaining term left by former Commissioner Monica Gordon.

“Congratulations to Dr. McCaskill on her appointment as Cook County Commissioner! Her leadership and commitment will drive meaningful change in our community. I am excited to collaborate with her and advance our shared vision for progress. Wishing her all the best in this new chapter!” said Senator Harris.

In 2023, Monica Gordon replaced retired 5th District Commissioner Deborah Sims. Gordon was later elected as Cook County Clerk in November 2024, creating the vacancy now filled by Dr. McCaskill.

“I could not have hoped for two better women to succeed my tenure as Commissioner than Clerk Gordon and now Dr. Kisha McCaskill. Dr. McCaskill has the tone, tenor, and experience necessary to serve the people of the 5th District. She is highly regarded and considered a best-in-class organizer in Cook County. I am excited about the future of the district,” said former Commissioner Deborah Sims.

Clerk Gordon added, “Dr. McCaskill is considered one of the brightest and best event organizers in our area. She has partnered with governments at all three levels and has a keen sense of the issues that Southland residents often face. I am thrilled about her appointment as Commissioner.”

On January 10, 2025, following the announcement of her appointment by Senator Harris, Commissioner McCaskill was sworn into office by a Cook County government attorney.

“While I want to thank all of the committeemen for their support and participation in this process, I must give special thanks to Senator Harris for guiding me through this lengthy process. Additionally, Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale, Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan, publicist Sean Howard, and retired Commissioner Deborah Sims all played pivotal roles in preparing me for this moment,” said McCaskill.

Dr. McCaskill holds a PhD in Public Administration and Organizational Leadership, a master’s degree in Public Service Administration, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Western Illinois University. She is a former adjunct professor and served as the Executive Director of the Harvey Park District.

Dr. McCaskill is also an active 33-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a founding member and officer of the Democratic Women of the Southland Region, and a founding member and officer of the South Suburban Region Black Chamber of Commerce & Industry. She is also a member of Planned Parenthood, the National Council of Negro Women, and the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Award Cohort.

“I pledge myself to the residents of the 5th District. I understand the numerous challenges that people are currently battling. Moreover, I recognize the positive impact that Cook County government has on residents’ lives. President Preckwinkle and my new colleagues on the Cook County Board of Commissioners have already extended a warm welcome to me. I am honored to serve alongside such talented and dedicated elected officials who have truly reformed, enhanced, and contributed to the upward mobility of public health and public safety,” concluded McCaskill.

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