Robin Kelly, Chief Administrative Officer, Bureau of Administration, Cook County Government

Robin Kelly is chief administrative officer (CAO) of Cook County, Illinois. As CAO, Kelly is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and implementing policy in Cook County government, which is the second largest county in the United States. 

Prior to her current position, Kelly served as chief of staff of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office where she directly oversaw the agency’s operations, policy and programs. She also served as state representative of the 38th Legislative District, sponsoring numerous bills, including landmark legislation to protect victims of domestic violence. As vice chair of the Mass Transit Committee and chair of the Southland Caucus, she spearheaded efforts to promote economic development and improve public transportation.  She also was a member of the Housing and Urban Development, International Trade and Commerce, Appropriations, and Human Services Committees.

Before her election to the Illinois General Assembly in 2002, Kelly was the director of Community Affairs in the Village of Matteson for more than 10 years.  She also served on the Cook County Human Rights Commission and the National Healthcare Disparities Task Force—Place Matters.  Currently, she is a board member of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, the Rich Township Food Pantry, and the Illinois Theatre Center.

In recognition of her many achievements, Kelly has received numerous awards and honors, including being inducted in October 2009 into Bradley University’s prestigious Centurion Society, which honors alumni who have distinguished themselves in their business, public life and professions. Kelly earned both her B.A. and M.A. degrees at Bradley and is a former trustee of the university. She also holds a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University.

Kelly lives in the Village of Matteson with her husband, Dr. Nate Horn, and has two adult children, Kelly and Ryan.