Lake County CFO Patrice Sutton recommended for administrator post

Finance veteran Patrice Sutton has been recommended as the next Lake County administrator.

The Lake Villa resident has been the county's chief financial officer the past six years and previously served about six years as deputy finance director.

She unanimously was selected last week by a seven-member ad hoc county board committee from internal candidates to fill the spot opening with the pending retirement of Gary Gibson.

Gibson's contract ends in mid-February. Sutton and the county are in contract negotiations and her start date in the new role is to be determined.

Sutton has held several financial roles in the public and private sectors including Libertyville finance director from 2016-2018 and former trustee for the Round Lake Beach police pension fund. She also conducts training in budgeting, ethics and finance across the U.S.

Sutton was instrumental in Lake County receiving and maintaining its AAA bond rating, exemplifying the county's "excellent financial health, reporting and management," officials said.

The "flawless execution and reporting" of federal COVID relief dollars and throughout her career illustrates Sutton's commitment to excellence, according to the county's announcement.

During her tenure, Lake County consistently has received financial reporting and other awards. Sutton has 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 on Tuesday said she is excited to use her knowledge and understanding of Lake County operations, strong internal and external relationships and collaborative style to pursue the county's recently updated mission, vision, and strategic goals.

"As a longtime resident, I am deeply passionate about Lake County," she said.

County Board Chair Sandy Hart said she is looking forward to working with Sutton.

"Patrice's deep knowledge of Lake County government, work ethic and collaborative leadership style makes her and excellent fit," Hart said in the announcement.

Gibson, a Lake Bluff resident, announced in late September he'll retire at the end of his contract Feb. 16, 2024, capping 34 years in the public sector and 28 years in different roles with Lake County government. His current annual salary is $247,000.

The full Lake County Board will consider Sutton's appointment Nov. 14.