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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING THE CAREER AND HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MICHELLE GAGE
WHEREAS, Ms. Michelle Gage has provided over 30 years of public service in local government agencies including 16 years as the Human Resources Manager at the Chicago Park District where she was responsible for all aspects of human resources for up to 900 employees, and will retire from her position as Director of Human Resources for the Forest Preserves of Cook County, after 14 years of service, on December 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Michelle has a B.A. degree in political science (public law) from Northern Illinois University, has served on the Board of Directors for Harriet’s Daughters, and has been an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management, Illinois Park and Recreation Association, Illinois Association of Park Districts, and the City Parks Alliance; and
WHEREAS, her compassionate and caring attitude, her boundless energy, her commitment to finding solutions, and her lively sense of humor made her a valued colleague and an exceptional human resources director; and
WHEREAS, in her role as the Director of Human Resources for the Forest Preserves, she managed an infrastructure that supports over 700 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees, ensuring that its human relations practices are fair, transparent and effective; and
WHEREAS, Michelle oversaw hiring, employee relations, change management, conflict resolution, labor relations, performance management and employee recognition initiatives, as well as instituted human resources policies, implemented equal employment opportunity practices, and assessed organizational as well as employee needs; and
WHEREAS, Michelle was instrumental in drafting the Forest Preserves’ original Employment Plan and has drafted and obtained approval of amendments crucial for effective employment practices in the Forest Preserves; and
WHEREAS, Michelle facilitated the Forest Preserves’ dismissal as a Defendant under the Shakman Consent Decree by reaching substantial compliance in February 2013, a court ruling that verified that political consideration plays no role in employment decisions for non-Shakman Exempt Forest Preserves employees, thereby engendering internal and external confidence in the Forest Preserves and its hiring practices; and
WHEREAS, Michelle consistently prioritized equity and inclusion, reinforcing initiatives which gained the Forest Preserves an award from the National Association of Counties in the Personnel Management, Employment and Training category for demonstrating strategic ways to recruit employees, encourage professional development, and maintain a first-class workforce; and
WHEREAS, under her leadership, the Human Resources Department developed a robust infrastructure that included properly classified and trained staff, new staff orientations and trainings, a streamlined timekeeping process, and the development of paid fellowship and internship programs; and
WHEREAS, Michelle promoted the Forest Preserves’ Conservation Corps, an award-winning program that provides paid, hands-on experiences to participants from across Cook County’s diverse communities, including those with barriers to employment, by participating in Greencorps Chicago’s interview and resume workshops to help participants secure jobs and attending the Forest Preserves’ Conservation Corps Career Fair to connect adult Conservation Corps alumni with green job opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Michelle eagerly supported opportunities for staff to grow their knowledge and skills and founded a robust professional development program that provides training, information, and certification opportunities for all staff, thereby helping employees better serve the people and nature of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, one of the Forest Preserves’ most important assets is its employees who accomplish the agency’s mission, ensuring that its more than 70,000 acres of public land are accessible, welcoming, and ecologically healthy, and Michelle ensured that employees are recruited and oriented thoughtfully and efficiently and that current employees are, and feel, supported; and
WHEREAS, Michelle’s contributions and dedication have resulted in an effective, approachable, and transparent Human Resources Department that contributes to the Forest Preserves’ reputation as an outstanding employer; and
WHEREAS, Michelle is devoted to her family, raising two successful and kind sons, Mario and Myles, and she was a selfless and generous daughter, caring for her mother during her mother’s last years with grace and fortitude; and
WHEREAS, Michelle looks forward to spending time with her family and friends, listening to music, traveling, and volunteering her time and energy in connecting vulnerable and ailing people and their caregivers with resources and support; and
WHEREAS, Michelle is a master rhymer who has celebrated countless colleagues with her thoughtful and humorous poems and our attempt will not be half as good, but comes fully from our hearts:
Michelle Gage was the enchanted Forest’s HR Director extraordinaire
she was hardworking, empathetic, funny, and fair
throughout the years, she remained grounded and cool
a champion of staff and Employment Plan rule
she will be remembered for her qualities and style
to say we will miss Michelle is putting it mild
WHEREAS, in the words of Interim General Superintendent, Eileen Figel, “Michelle’s combination of empathy, insight, and expertise make her the most effective HR director I have ever known. I am deeply grateful for her service and wish her a long and happy retirement.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Toni Preckwinkle, along with the members of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners, and on behalf of all citizens of Cook County, do hereby congratulate Michelle Gage 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 Michelle Gage in recognition of her career, contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County and her passion for public service.
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