Camille Rodriguez is set to become McLean County’s first woman to serve as its top administrator.
The County Board voted 15-0 on Tuesday to tab the current County Health Department director to take over the county administrator post starting June 1.
“It obviously has significance to my three daughters,” Rodriguez said. “They are very proud that their mother has become the first woman to hold this position.
“I feel like McLean County in and of itself has a strong history of hiring the right client for the job.”
Rodriguez was chosen from among three finalists for the position. McLean County Administrative Services Director Eric Schmitt and Crystal Lake Director of Finance and Treasurer George Koczwara were the other finalists.
Rodriguez will replace Bill Wasson, who is retiring June 1 after 34 years with the county.
Each finalist interviewed in person with the County Executive Committee earlier this month.
The County Board approved a five-year contract for Rodriguez. She will receive an annual base salary of $130,000.
County Board Chairman John McIntrye said Rodriguez’s background in government administration at the state and local levels makes her a good fit.
“She brings a wealth of experience,” he said. “She displayed for us administrative leadership and a desire to be part of this county and continue in the role that our other administrators have.”
Rodriguez took over the county health department in January 2018. Prior to that, she worked for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as director of its Division of Public Health’s Bureau of Community Health Promotion.
McIntyre added her experience in health policy will help the county continue to implement its mental health plans, which he said he become a significant role for the administration in recent years.
“She fits in very well with many of our (health) initiatives, but also can provide enough experience and leadership in all of our departments,” McIntrye said.
McIntrye took time during Tuesday’s County Board meeting to recognize volunteers with the so-called Blue Ribbon Panel of stakeholders who helped the county review several dozen applications for the position. He also recognized a similar panel which previously provided oversight for the financially troubled McLean County Nursing Home.
“These volunteers from both groups and the time they have donated have been a tremendous asset to our board,” McIntyre announced. “They exemplify I think what McLean County and Bloomington-Normal are all about.”
Rodriguez said the county’s Board of Health will be leading the search for a new health department director.
Board member George Wendt requested a roll call vote on her appointment. He said ‘pass’ when his name was called. He did not comment after the meeting.
Rodriguez will become just the second women to serve as a top administrator for one of McLean County’s largest government bodies. Normal City Manager Pam Reece was the first.
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