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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SHARON WILLIAMS-WATKINS TO THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, Ms. Sharon Williams-Watkins served in various capacities at the Forest Preserves of Cook County from November 2013 to December 2025, being an integral part of the leadership team for over seven years; and
WHEREAS, Sharon’s professional journey has been supported by a strong academic foundation, including earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Business at Chicago State University, and later completing a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development and Management at National Louis University - achievements that reflect her commitment to growth, leadership, and service; and
WHEREAS, her career began in Human Resources and Accounting roles in Cook County government and the private sector, as well as being an instructor at Moraine Valley Community College where she taught computer applications and accounting principles; and
WHEREAS, Sharon began working at the Cook County Clerk’s Office in March 1992, supervising a team in the Accounting Division that oversaw the delinquent property tax services. She quickly moved within the Cook County Clerk’s Office to the Tax Extension Division, where she was the Executive Assistant to the Director and a Property Tax Examiner, assisting with the quantitative analysis of the tax extension process; and
WHEREAS, In November of 2013, Sharon joined the Forest Preserves of Cook County as a member of the Purchasing team, bringing her expertise and dedication to support the agency’s procurement operations; and
WHEREAS, in November 2017, Sharon advanced to the senior staff team, as the Special Assistant to the Deputy General Superintendent, and then later, with additional responsibilities, becoming the Executive Assistant to the Deputy General Superintendent, where she played a key role in supporting executive leadership and organizational operations; and
WHEREAS, during her time as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy General Superintendent, Sharon ensured that the operations of the Office of the General Superintendent ran smoothly, handling everything from office management to managing the departmental budget to addressing health and safety matters; and
WHEREAS, Sharon provided vital support to the General Superintendent, Deputy General Superintendent, and key units including Legislative and Governmental Affairs, Communications, Strategic Initiatives, and the Volunteer Resources Center. Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring the seamless operation of the Office of the General Superintendent and the continued delivery of essential services across the Forest Preserves; and
WHEREAS, Sharon served as the Forest Preserves’ administrator for the Board agenda process, playing a key role in reviewing each Board item to ensure organization, accuracy, completeness, and adherence to deadlines. Her attention to detail and strong communication skills set a new standard of quality for Board Agenda Item by delivering more reader-friendly Board agenda items for the President, the Commissioners, the Secretary, and the public. She trained and guided Forest Preserves departments on the effective use of Legistar, the information technology tool used to create, organize, and track Board agenda items, helping staff navigate the development, submission, and approval process. She also worked closely with the Secretary of the Board to organize and submit the monthly agenda for final processing; and
WHEREAS, Sharon also collaborated closely with the Secretary of the Board’s team, Cook County Bureau of Technology, private vendors, and a cross-functional team to design the layout and flow for offsite Board meetings. Her attention to detail and thoughtful designs made it possible to hold Board meetings closer to nature and the Forest Preserves’ amenities. Her work laid the logistical foundation for these meetings and opportunities for Commissioners to engage with the professionals at the Forest Preserves and experience beautification across its diverse settings; and
WHEREAS, Sharon was pivotal during the early years of the Conservation and Policy Council. In addition to coordinating spaces and schedules for quarterly meetings among the General and Deputy General Superintendents and the Council members, she assisted the Deputy General Superintendent with member communication, especially during critical times such as the Pandemic and in the lead up to the Referendum; and
WHEREAS, Sharon was also an early member of the Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee helping to add substance and structure to the Forest Preserve’s commitment to actively working toward equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with partners, in the community and throughout Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Sharon consistently brought a spirit of positivity and collaboration to every space she entered. She was always quick to lend a hand to her colleagues, often stepping in to assist with challenges beyond her formal responsibilities. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment helped strengthen team morale and build a strong sense of camaraderie; and
WHEREAS, Sharon is a published author and plans to use her retirement to publish additional books, while enjoying quality time with her husband, sons, daughters, and beloved pet. She looks forward to expanding her travels across the globe, volunteering within the community, and continuing her lifelong commitment to public service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Toni Preckwinkle, along with the members of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners on behalf of all citizens of Cook County, do hereby congratulate Sharon Williams-Watkins on a long career of public service and thank her for her many contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to Sharon Williams-Watkins in recognition of her career, contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County and her passion for public service.end