With Ms. Sutton as CFO, Lake County has consistently received the Government Finance Officer Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. She is critically instrumental in Lake County receiving and maintaining its AAA bond rating, exemplifying Lake County’s excellent financial health, reporting, and management.
Ms. Sutton demonstrates her vast and unique knowledge of Lake County’s current operations and long-term plans through the yearly budget development and approval process, as well as the annual audit process. The recent flawless execution and reporting of federal dollars during the COVID crisis (ERA, CARES, and ARPA) and throughout her career exemplifies Ms. Sutton’s commitment to excellence. Within the Finance Department, she has created a centralized services division; launched a diversity, equity, and inclusion program; and implemented a County-wide training program and website for financial information and procedures.
Chair Hart stated, “I am thrilled that the Ad Hoc Committee unanimously selected Patrice as our next County Administrator. Patrice’s deep knowledge of Lake County Government, work ethic, and collaborative leadership style makes her an excellent fit, and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”
In addition to her significant Lake County Government contributions, Ms. Sutton currently serves as a member of the Governmental Budgeting and Fiscal Policy Committee for the GFOA of the United States and Canada. She serves on the Executive Board of the Illinois GFOA and conducts training in the areas of budgeting, ethics, and public finance, both in Illinois and across the United States. She is an involved community member, serving as the Treasurer of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Lindenhurst. She is a former Trustee for the Police Pension Fund for the Village of Round Lake Beach and served in the Peace Corps in Poland.
“Having been a part of this outstanding organization for over eleven years, I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve as County Administrator," Ms. Sutton said. “I am looking forward to working with our excellent staff and elected officials to execute the newly updated Strategic Plan and carry out the Board's vision to be a leader in excellence, innovation and sustainability.”
Ms. Sutton has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago. A longtime resident of Lake County, Ms. Sutton lives in Lake Villa with her husband, Joe Koehn and family.
Ms. Sutton’s appointment will be on the November 2023 board agenda for full board approval.
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