A committee for the county administrator recruitment unanimously selected Patrice Sutton to be the next Lake County administrator.
Sutton has been a part of the county’s operations for more than a decade. Currently, she serves as the county’s chief financial officer (CFO), a role she’s held for the past six years. Prior to that, Sutton was the county’s deputy finance director for six years.
“Having been a part of this outstanding organization for over 11 years, I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve as county administrator,” 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.”
The appointment of a new administrator comes after Gary Gibson, the current county administrator, announced his retirement plans in September.
After four years as the Lake County administrator, Gibson will retire at the end of his contract on Feb. 16.
Sutton’s appointment still needs approval from the full County Board at its November meeting.
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said she was “thrilled” the committee selected Sutton.
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“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,” Hart said.
The county administrator implements policies of the County Board, directs board priorities, develops the annual budget and capital improvement plan, and coordinates countywide activities and departments.
During Sutton’s tenure as CFO, Lake County has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Sutton is “critically instrumental” in maintaining Lake County’s financial health, reporting and management, according to a statement from the county.
Within the Finance Department, Sutton created a centralized services division, launched a diversity, equity and inclusion program, and implemented a countywide training program and website for financial information and procedures.
Sutton 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.
An involved community member, Sutton serves 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.
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, Sutton lives in Lake Villa with her husband and family.