Gwen Henry: 2026 candidate for County treasurer

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County treasurer

Party: Republican

City: Wheaton

Age: 84

Previous offices held: DuPage County Treasurer, Mayor of Wheaton, Commissioner Forst Preserve District, County Board,

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am running because DuPage county deserves a Treasurer who understands finance, values transparency and takes responsibility for managing almost 3 billion in taxpayer dollars seriously.

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the position and what would your priority be?

I started electronic billing, electronic payments, an emphasis on responsiveness to taxpayers,first to allow partial property tax payments, modernized the office with new technology and improved services.

What special qualifications does a county treasurer need that may not apply to other county offices? What professional qualifications or experiences do you possess that will help ensure your success as treasurer?

The treasurer must have a deep understanding of public finance, to be able to run the day to day operations of the office and oversee over $800 million in investments, The Treasurer also need to be able to provide exemplary customer service, working with individual taxpayers.

I have a degree in accounting, am a CPA and have additional certifications including Certified Public Finance Administrator. I have also been county Treasurer for the last 17 years.

Name one concrete program you’ll create or personnel move you’ll make to improve efficiency in the office or make it more successful. Explain how it will be funded and how you will overcome any obstacles to initiating it.

Continue to increase the number of taxpayers receiving their bills online and paying online. This reduces our postage and manpower costs to process the transactions. This will result in a savings for the county. We are also constantly looking for more ways to make the office more efficient, while still providing exemplary customer service.