Deborah Sims
Retired Cook County Board of Commissioners, 5th District
In December 1994, Deborah Sims was elected to serve as Commissioner of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. As Commissioner of the Fifth District of Cook County, she was responsible for preparing budgets for elected officials, coordinating employment, ensuring health care and safety, as well as providing resources options for financially challenged constituents; she worked diligently to provide services for those who need them the most. She was determined to serve all of her constituents by participating in various programs and events including hosting and participating in Ministerial meeting to engage the faith community, family–oriented events.
Retired Commissioner Deborah Sims provided astute leadership while serving as the President Pro Tempore, Vice Chairperson for the Finance Committee, President of the Illinois Counties Association (ICA), Chairperson for the Transportation and Highway Committee, Chairperson of the Tax Delinquency Subcommittee and Vice Chairperson of the Capital Development Committee of the Forest Preserve District.
Because of her dedication and focused service to the community, retired Commissioner Sims received an Honorary Associate of Arts degree from South Suburban College and served as past President of the National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO), member of the National Association of Counties Deferred Contribution and Retirement Advisory Committee (DCR). She also served as a former member of the City of Chicago NeighborSpace Board. As a retired Commissioner, her mission was to ensure that all residents had a clear understanding of how their tax dollars were spent and how County government works.