How did you "land" in Cook County?  What journey led you here?  

As I was approaching college graduation, I was in a relationship with someone that lived up here. The natural transition was for me to search for a job in Grand Marais and move here upon graduating. And I did just that; I was hired on as the Assessor’s Technical Clerk/Appraiser in May 2006. Although that relationship did not continue, I continued to work in the Assessor’s Office and eventually met my husband. I think my story is similar to many…they come to Cook County for one reason but then stay for another.

How are things going in your new role as HR Director for Cook County?  Are you experiencing recruitment challenges with the housing situation here?

The job is going great! I am really enjoying this role and the variety that comes with it.

I moved into this role after working over 17 years with the County so I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience about the County over that time, in addition to knowing most of my fellow teammates. This job has really allowed me to look at policies, processes, and procedures that impact the entire county and determine what updates, changes, etc. can be made and implemented. As I approach my 18-year work anniversary, I reflect quite a bit on the experiences I have been through here at the County and that helps drive me in making these decisions and impacts. I have truly enjoyed working for the County and I love that I can be a part of that process that helps others enjoy it too.

In regard to recruitment, housing does remain one of the challenges when recruiting staff. It will continue to be difficult hiring candidates from outside the county knowing the difficulties with housing we have faced in recent history. In addition to housing, one of the dominant challenges we’ve seen is really just getting qualified applicants. Our County is experiencing similar recruitment challenges like most of the state and the country. We have openings but they can be difficult to fill; we just don’t get the high number of applicants we used to pre-COVID. And the positions that require specific education, experience or certifications, like social workers, or deputies, are even harder to find and attract.

If someone asked you to describe life in Cook County in 10 words or less, how would you respond?

Oh wow, that’s a hard one. There are so many words and phrases to describe life here. But I’ll go with “There is no other place I would rather live.”

When you are not busy working, do you have hobbies or places that you like to go to wind down?

My method of winding down is actually exercise. Besides working at the County, I have also been employed by the YMCA for over ten years as a group exercise instructor, and even taught classes through Community Ed before the Y was built. I often call the Y my second home as you will see me there most days. Whether I am teaching a class, or attending a class, I’m there pretty much every day of the week. Exercise is my stress reliever and my therapy. Besides exercising, I also assist in coaching the Y’s Northern's youth swim team in the fall/winter. I was a competitive swimmer in high school and college and with both of my kids now swimming on the team, it allows me to share my love of swimming with the youth in our community.

Outside of those activities, I enjoy spending time outside and with my family. And with my weekdays being go-go-go most weeks, I like to lay low at home on the weekends.

What is a little known fact about you that may surprise people?

I was born and grew up outside of Seattle, WA until my parents purchased a ma & pa resort on a lake outside of Perham, MN when my sister and I were in 6th grade. We had eight seasonal cabins (not winterized) that all sat along the lakeshore, along with our house and attached lodge/common area. Cabins were only available was a weekly rental. We had docks, boats, motors, bait, a fish cleaning house, retail candy and clothing, swim area, swim dock, etc. I learned a lot about cleaning, maintenance, mowing lawns, and customer service during the sixteen years that my family owned that resort. It was a wonderful place to grow up.

And second fact…my sister and I are identical twins.

What is the best advice you were ever given and how did it impact your life?

I am very similar to my dad and how he approaches life. He is very easy going, doesn’t stress out much about anything. He would always say it’s not worth stressing out about the things that are out of our control. I couldn’t agree more and have that mindset (or at least remind myself to). I don’t like to overthink things or get stressed out about things that are really out of my control. It can be a waste of energy (physical, emotional, mental) to do so, especially when we can use that energy on something we do have control over. We have one life to live and it’s not worth it to be stressed and angry for most of it. Be happy and take things as they come, let some of it roll off your shoulders.