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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING SHERIDAN TURNER ON HER CONTRIBUTION TO COOK COUNTY’S CULTURAL SCENE THROUGH HER WORK AT MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY AND KOHL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
WHEREAS, Sheridan Turner relocated to the Chicago area from her native England in 1981; and
WHEREAS, Sheridan contributed greatly to the success of Cook County’s cultural scene and enhanced educational opportunities for youth and adults alike through her work at the Museum of Science & Industry and Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago; and
WHEREAS, at the Museum of Science & Industry she over saw the development of the Idea Factory Exhibit and the construction of the underground parking garage; and
WHEREAS, in 1998 Sheridan became President and CEO of the Kohl Children’s Museum and has served in that role for more than 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Sheridan managed the planning, fundraising, design, and construction of the $18.1 million Glenview facility, which opened in 2005; and
WHEREAS, since Sheridan has led the Kohl Children’s Museum, the Museum has increased annual attendance from 150,000 to more than 314,000, attracting individuals from Glenview, communities in the surrounding areas in Cook County, and residents across Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Sheridan implemented a scholarship program for underserved families in the community unable to afford the museum experience by offering reduced-price or free annual memberships, daily passes and field trips; and
WHEREAS, Sheridan oversaw the development of all the exhibits currently at the Kohl Children’s Museum as well as traveling exhibits like Science + You, Powered by Nature, and Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond (currently in development); and
WHEREAS, Sheridan served as Vice President of the Glenview Chamber of Commerce, has served as a Board member for nine years and on the Executive Board for six years; and
WHEREAS, in 2017 Sheridan was named Business Person of the Year by the Glenview Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Sheridan volunteers as a certified teamster for Wagner Farm in Glenview, giving horse and wagon rides for Wagner Farm Community events; and
WHEREAS, Sheridan serves as a Director for the Economic Club of Chicago and on the membership committee for The Chicago Network; and
WHEREAS, Sheridan is active on the Northwestern Women’s Board, and was previously a Board Member for the Association of Children’s Museums and The Cove School in Northbrook; and
WHEREAS, Sheridan is highly respected in the Chicago community as a leader in the field of early childhood education; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby sincerely appreciate Sheridan Turner’s efforts to expand educational opportunities for Cook County youth and wish Sheridan Turner well as she relocates to England; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of the Resolution be tendered to Sheridan as a means of communicating our thanks and well wishes.
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