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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING NICK SHIELDS FOR HIS EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, Nick Shields has served the Office of the Cook County Board President with distinction for the past seven years, most recently as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, and has been an invaluable asset to Cook County government; and
WHEREAS, an award-winning communications professional with nearly two decades of experience, Nick built, strengthened, and elevated the communications division of Cook County, recruiting and developing a talented team within the President’s Office while unifying communications professionals across Offices Under the President (OUP) so that Cook County spoke with clarity, cohesion, and one strong voice; and
WHEREAS, Nick possesses an exceptional ability to communicate at the intersection of policy and politics, masterfully overseeing Cook County’s strategic and crisis communications efforts, ensuring transparency, trust, and accessibility for the residents we serve; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure, Nick led communications for some of Cook County’s most significant American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) initiatives, including the transformative Cook County Guaranteed Income Pilot and the groundbreaking Medical Debt Relief Initiative, both of which have garnered national attention for their innovation and impact; and
WHEREAS, Nick is the creator of Project Rainbow-Cook County’s Emmy-award-winning initiative designed to inform, inspire, and empower young learners. Under his leadership, Project Rainbow has expanded its reach and influence with the Provident Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than $4 million to aspiring medical students, and Project Rainbow has established a partnership with Google to provide certificate opportunities for adult learners, carrying forward a legacy of education and equity; and
WHEREAS, Nick’s leadership has extended beyond county borders, playing an instrumental role in establishing and strengthening Cook County’s foundational relationship with the White House under the Biden administration-ensuring Cook County’s priorities, values, and residents were represented at the highest levels of government; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Nick has exemplified professionalism and excellence, previously serving as Communications Director for Cook County Clerk David Orr, overseeing communications for Navy Pier, Inc., and working as a journalist for the Los Angeles Times and Baltimore Sun after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and
WHEREAS, Nick also served as a producer and reporter for Chicago Tonight, where he earned a local Emmy-early evidence of the talent, creativity, and dedication he would later bring to Cook County government; and
WHEREAS, his presence and leadership will be greatly missed, he leaves behind a strong foundation and a lasting legacy as he embarks on his next chapter at Cook County Health; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is profoundly grateful for Nick’s tireless work, steadfast commitment, and unwavering service. His integrity, innovation, and leadership have strengthened our government and improved the lives of countless people.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby honor and recognize Nick Shields for his outstanding service, visionary leadership, and lasting contributions to Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy be presented to Nick Shields as a token of our gratitude and deep appreciation.
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