County Board Appoints New District 9 Member, Elects Vice-Chair

Ewing currently serves as Director of Community Retail Branches at Baxter Credit Union, where he has worked since 2015 in various leadership roles. He also serves on the City of Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission. Ewing previously served on the Waukegan Board of Education from 2017 to 2025, including six years as Board President from 2019 to 2025. 

Following Dr. Ross-Cunningham's passing, Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair, convened an advisory committee to review applications and provide a recommendation before making the appointment.

"Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham devoted her life to serving others, and her leadership, compassion and commitment to Lake County left an enduring impact on our communities," said Chair Hart. "While no one can replace Mary, I am confident that Member Ewing will serve the residents of District 9 with integrity and dedication."

"I look forward to working on behalf of the 9th District and all residents in Lake County," said Member Ewing. "Mary Ross-Cunningham served this County for two decades, and I'm not here to fill her shoes. But what I can do is follow the path she laid, one grounded in compassion, courage and the effort to do what is right by the people of Lake County."

Ewing will serve until the end of this county board session, Dec. 6, 2026. Following Ewing's swearing-in, the County Board elected Jennifer Clark to serve as Vice-Chair.

Clark has served as Chair of the Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee and Chair of the Technology Committee. She has been instrumental in advancing hundreds of infrastructure projects throughout Lake County, including efforts to connect regional gaps in sidewalks and bike paths, update aging water and wastewater infrastructure and connect Lake Michigan water to homes and businesses.

Clark also helped establish the County's first Technology Committee, bringing a focus on technology, digital access and digital information security to the County Board's work. She has been a strong advocate for Lake County's Digital Growth Initiative, which works with residents to provide access to digital tools, technology and training.

She has also brought forward several resolutions through the National Association of Counties (NACo), focusing on issues including election security, the importance of transparency and journalism, and rail safety.

“Vice-Chair Clark has demonstrated her commitment to Lake County through her years of service on the County Board, and I am grateful to have her serve as Vice-Chair," said Chair Hart.

"Thank you to all my fellow Board members for the honor and privilege of serving as your Lake County Board Vice-Chair," said Clark. "Today is bittersweet as we remember and mourn the passing of Vice-Chair Mary Ross Cunningham, whose dedication, compassion and commitment to Lake County left an extraordinary legacy. I will work hard to follow her example, lead with integrity and purpose, and do my very best every day to represent and serve all of our communities."