Note: This story is the first in a three-part series featuring women leaders in Cook County government.
Kisha McCaskill attended her first Cook County Board meeting Jan. 16, and already she’s got her sights set on “ways we can bring things to the Southland.”
McCaskill, of Harvey, became the newest member of the Cook County Board through appointment on Jan. 10. She was selected from five candidates. McCaskill is filling the 5th District seat held for 28 years by Deborah Sims who retired in 2022. Monica Gordon was elected as her replacement, but stepped down after being elected Cook County clerk in November 2024. McCaskill will complete Gordon’s term and be up for election in 2026.
McCaskill, a wife, mother and grandmother with bachelor degrees from Western Illinois University, a master’s degree from Spertus Jewish Institute, and a doctorate from Capella University, has served in two positions at the Department of Children and Family Services, and an executive position at the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Locally, she was president of the Harvey Park District. She stepped forward for the county job.
“I was determined not to let the opportunity pass me by,” she said. “I’ve already been in state and local government. County government is one level I had not been. I’m excited about it.”
She will be the county commissioner representing Flossmoor.
As a child, she watched her parents’ involvement in the community and in local government. She said stepping into her roles has been a natural progression.
“Community service has always been a basis for me to volunteer. It became a mandate and then it became an honor to do it. Giving back and being part of the public has never been an issue for us,” she said.
As the newest county commissioner, McCaskill set three priorities for herself: 1) Meet with mayors to learn their needs and “how they fit into county government.” 2) If the projects are possible, look at legislative and budgetary needs “to make those things happen.” 3) Execute: “Let’s get things done!”
McCaskill said she will follow Gordon’s lead in trying to get a Level 2 trauma center designation for the area. UChicago Ingalls Hospital in Harvey had that designation at one time. A Level 2 trauma center is equipped and staffed to provide immediate, comprehensive care for seriously injured patients, including 24/7 access to specialists like general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and anesthesiologists.
