Cook County’s first county administrator, Jay Kieft, passed away Monday, December 1st, a year from his first day in the newlycreated position.
During his abbreviated tenure, he was able to elicit the trust and respect of county commissioners, staff and the community; his first step in being able to effect positive change as Jay believed change happens through relationships.
His spirit, intuition, commitment and humility nourished him as a unifier and team builder. He worked with people to create honest reality. The example he set, not only for encouraging strategic vision but also navigating the complex transition to the county administrator form of governance, was refreshing. His inner strength and values sustained him during his valiant battle with an aggressive cancer that eventually quieted his large heart.
Here is Jay’s prophetic response to the last question on the county board’s screening document, completed at the time of his initial interview: “After one year in the position, why will the board, staff and community say you were the best choice for the community administrator position?”
Jay’s answer:
“The board will appreciate a new ‘style’ in the way they govern– one that allows ‘higher altitude’ consideration of county needs and direction. They will feel understood, but also will have learned a thing or two.
“The staff will know and trust a new administrator who is skillful, passionate and supportive of their work. They will appreciate the presence of a leader who clearly sets forth strategic direction and an organizational mission based on core values that are applied with integrity. They will have confidence in the decisions that are being made and empowered to have appropriate input in the process.
“The community will know their county administrator. He will be a visible presence and the fruit of his work demonstrable. They will have a more informed sense of operations and their sense of the ‘value’ of county government will have increased.”
We should, and we will collectively celebrate not just what he achieved in such a short period of time, but also how and why he achieved it.
It has been stated that the life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.
Therefore, let us remember . . .
Our prayers continue on behalf of Jay’s family and all those he held dear.
Garry Gamble
County Commissioner
Cook County-District 2
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