Preckwinkle's chief of staff resigning to take over advocacy group

Tasha Green Cruzat, chief of staff to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, announced Wednesday that she will leave her post next month to become president of Voices for Illinois Children.

Cruzat, 46, has served as chief of staff since August, coordinating and overseeing the work and activities of the county bureaus and departments under the Office of the County Board President. She joined Cook County in November 2013 as deputy chief of staff.

"I am grateful to Tasha for her efforts on behalf of Cook County during the past couple of years," Preckwinkle said in a news release. "She has worked hard to ensure that those who work in Offices Under the President are responsible and responsive to our residents."

Voices for Illinois Children is a nonpartisan advocate for responsible public investment and policies that give Illinois children, families and communities the tools they need to live healthy, stable lives, according to a news release. The organization provides independent, data-driven budget and policy analysis, utilizes strategic communications, and leads statewide coalition efforts to end Illinois' current budget impasse.

"Working for President Preckwinkle has been extremely rewarding, and I will always value the work we did to help transform Cook County government under her leadership," Cruzat said. "While leaving is difficult, I am honored to have the opportunity to work on behalf of Illinois children and families on issues of critical importance."

Preckwinkle said the search for a new chief of staff is underway.