Cook County health and human services director to retire

During a meeting of the Cook County Commissioners on Tuesday, Jan. 19, Cook County Public Health and Human Services Director Sue Futterer announced she plans to retire in July.

Futterer made the announcement public during a joint meeting of the Humans Services Board and the commissioners. Her last day of work with the county is slated for July 8. She told county staff of her plans to retire earlier Tuesday morning.

“It’s been a very difficult decision and one I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Futterer said during Tuesday’s meeting.

Futterer said she has been talking with County Administrator Jeff Cadwell about future plans for the Public Health and Human Services Department, including her retirement. Futterer said during the last round of establishing the county budget she explained to Cadwell her intentions to retire in 2016.

Although the commissioners appeared saddened by the news, Commissioner Frank Moe jokingly made a motion not to accept Futterer’s retirement plans. Commissioner Jan Sivertson followed suit, making a motion to “clone” Futterer so her services and experience can continue to beneficial for Cook County.

Futterer said she will help the county transition while a new director for human services is found. Cadwell told Futterer he plans to post the job opening soon, as the directors for health and human services in both Lake and St. Louis counties also plan to retire this year.

“People have gone through change and change is good, new leadership is good, and everybody will be fine,” Futterer said.