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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING MONICA GORDON’S EXEMPLARY SERVICE AS FIFTH DISTRICT COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND CONGRATULATING HER ON HER ELECTION AS COUNTY CLERK
WHEREAS, on December 2, 2024, Monica Gordon will be sworn in as County Clerk after serving the residents of the 5th Cook County District as their Commissioner since December of 2022; and
WHEREAS, born on Chicago's West Side, Monica Gordon’s graduate studies and career led her to move to the Southland in 2001 where she promptly established strong relationships with residents and leaders and committed herself to improving her community; and
WHEREAS, Monica Gordon holds a MA in Communication & Training from Governors State University and BA in Journalism from Northern Illinois University. She attributes her being born on Labor Day to her commitment to improving the lives of working families; and
WHEREAS, prior to becoming a Commissioner, Monica Gordon worked as a territory manager in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, this experience helped broaden her perspective on the healthcare care needs of all people. This has impacted her perspective and advocacy for equitable access to quality health care, particularly in relations to the cost of medication and her advocacy for a trauma center in her community. This is one of the many reasons she has made health care and safety of 5th Cook County residents her public policy priority; and
WHEREAS, Monica Gordon has also served as board chair of Prairie State Community College and Government Affairs Director for Chicago State University; Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, a statewide advocacy organization; and was chosen to be a part of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's transition team; and
WHEREAS, Monica Gordon is an active member of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association Leadership Circle and Jassac Charitable Foundation Inc. She also serves on the National Association of Counties’ Transportation Steering Committee as well as the Board of Directors for Girls 4 Science, and the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation. She previously was Treasurer for Illinois Democratic Women and is an Illinois Women in Leadership Fellow and Edgar Program Fellow; and
WHEREAS, as a Commissioner she has served as a steadfast advocate for missing women and girls, especially Black women and girls. Black women account for less than 15% of the U.S. population, but more than one-third of all missing women. Commissioner Gordon spearheaded a public hearing where stakeholders provided recommendations for solutions tailored to the unique ways that Black women and girls are vulnerable to violence with the goal of preventing and safeguarding them from violence; and
WHEREAS, in her two years as Commissioner, Monica Gordon has proven to be steadfast in her commitment to the well-being of the residents of Cook County as is evident in the numerous legislative proposals she sponsored, the coalitions that she built and the tireless work on violence prevention, improvement of healthcare, and equity in County services; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby congratulate Monica Gordon on her election as County Clerk and joins the more than 5 million residents of this county in thanking her for her exemplary service to the 5th County District.
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