New 5th District Cook County Commissioner appointed to fill vacancy
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. - A new 5th District Cook County commissioner has been appointed, filling a vacancy left by Monica Gordon.
Illinois State Senator and Thornton Township Committeeman Napoleon Harris III joined 10 other Chicago and south suburban Democratic committeemen Friday evening at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois, to select the new commissioner.
After much discussion and presentations from five candidates, the group appointed Harvey Park District Executive Director Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill to the role.
McCaskill will replace former Commissioner Monica Gordon and will serve out the remainder of her term, according to officials.
Gordon replaced Deborah Sims in 2023 before being elected Cook County Clerk in the November 2024 election.
"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," Gordon said in a statement. "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."
Harvey Park District Executive Director Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill.
McCaskill was immediately sworn into office after the decision, according to officials.
"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," McCaskill said.
McCaskill holds a PhD in public administration and organizational leadership. She also has a master's degree in public service administration and a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Western Illinois University, officials said.