July 1, 2025 – Cook County MN proudly announces that Kristen Trebil-Halbersma has accepted their offer and has been approved as new Cook County Administrator.
Kristen plans to attend the Management Advisory Team (MAT) meeting on Monday, July 7. The entire agenda will be dedicated to introducing Kristen and giving her the opportunity to share more about herself. She plans to begin working in Cook County full-time on Monday, August 4.
This marks the successful completion of the search to replace former Administrator, James Joerke, who resigned in October of 2024 due to a family tragedy.
David Drown Associates (DDA) was engaged by Cook County to manage the recruitment process, which took two rounds to find the right candidate.
Interviews with finalists took place on Monday, June 16 in the Cook County Commissioners Board Room, and recordings were made available to the public following their completion. Members of the public were encouraged to provide feedback via a form on the County website. The MAT met following the interviews and delivered their unanimous recommendation of Kristen Trebil-Halbersma to the Board. Public comments mirrored that preference, as did the majority of the Board. On Wednesday, June 18, the Board voted 5-0 to offer the position to Kristen Trebil-Halbersma.
The Board assigned a subcommittee consisting of Board Chair Ginny Storlie, Vice Chair David Mills, Interim Administrator Rena Rogers and Human Resources Director Allison Plummer to negotiate with Trebil-Halbersma on their behalf. The successful outcome of that negotiation was announced to MAT on Monday, June 30.
In her announcement to county employees, Rena Rogers said, “Between now and then we will be working together to ensure a successful transition, and you may see her in the office from time to time over the next month. I am so excited about what she will bring to County government and the people we all serve. Please join me in welcoming her.”
