DR. KISHA E. McCASKILL APPOINTED COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 5TH DISTRICT

Commissioner McCaskill, photo provided by STH Media LLC
Commissioner McCaskill, photo provided by STH Media LLC

LONGTIME DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZER, ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, AND HARVEY PARK DISTRICT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO FILL THE VACANCY OF THE 5TH DISTRICT COOK COUNTY BOARD SEAT

 

DR. KISHA E. McCASKILL APPOINTED COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 5TH DISTRICT

 

DR. McCASKILL TO SERVE OUT THE REMAINING TERM LEFT BY CURRENT COOK COUNTY CLERK MONICA GORDON 

 

(South Holland, IL) Illinois State Senator and Thornton Township Committeeman Napoleon Harris III was joined by ten other Chicago and south suburban Democratic Committeemen as they met to select a person to occupy the 5th District Cook County Commissioner’s seat left vacant by the current Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. The gathering took place last evening (1/10) at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois.


After hearing presentations from five candidates, the group decided overwhelmingly to appoint well-known democratic organizer, former adjunct professor, and Harvey Park District Executive Director Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill as the new Cook County Commissioner of the 5th District. Commissioner McCaskill will serve out the remaining term of the now former Commissioner, Monica Gordon.


“Congratulations to Dr. McCaskill on her appointment as Cook County Commissioner! Her leadership and commitment will drive meaningful change to 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!” Says Senator Harris


In 2023 current Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon replaced retired 5th District Commissioner Deborah Sims. Clerk Gordon later would become elected to Cook County Clerk in the November 2024 election therefore leaving the 5th District seat vacant until Dr. McCaskill’s appointment last evening.

“I could not have hoped for two better women to succeed my tenure as Commissioner other 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 so excited about the future of the district.

Clerk Gordon adds, “Dr. McCaskill is considered one of the brightest and best event organizers in our area. She has partnered with governments on all three levels and has a keen sense of the issues which southland residents are often impacted by. I am thrilled about her appointment as Commissioner.”

Immediately following the announcement of the appointment by Senator Napoleon Harris, Commissioner McCaskill was immediately sworn into office by a lawyer representing the government of Cook County.

“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 navigating me through this three-month lengthy process. In addition, Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale, Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan, publicist Sean Howard and retired Commissioner Debra Sims all played pivotal roles in preparing me for this moment.”says Commissioner McCaskill.

Commissioner McCaskill holds a PhD in Public Administration and Organizational Leadership. In addition, she holds a master’s degree in public service administration as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Sociology from Western Illinois University. She is a former adjunct professor and Executive Director of the Harvey Park District.

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

McCaskill concludes, “I pledge myself to the residents of the 5th district. I understand the numerous challenges that people are currently battling. Moreover, I understand the positive impact that the government of Cook County has on the lives of residents. President Preckwinkle and my new colleagues that make up the Cook County Board of Commissioners have already extended a beautiful olive branch to me. I am honored to serve with such talented and caring elected officials who have truly reformed, enhanced and added much to the upward mobility of public health and public safety.”

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