Cook County's commitment to sustainability and environmental justice has taken a significant leap forward with the appointment of a new leader in the fight against climate change. Dr. Suzanne Malec-McKenna was named the new director of the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES), according to an announcement made by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. With over three decades of experience under her belt, Malec-McKenna's tenure is poised to drive meaningful advancements not only for the environment but also for the historically under-resourced communities within the county.
In her previous roles, Malec-McKenna managed a series of initiatives that have shaped Chicago's environmental landscape. "Her decades of experience and dedication to public service are vital to ensuring sustainability and environmental justice throughout our County," President Preckwinkle said, "and specifically in some of our most under-resourced communities," according to a Cook County press release. Malec-McKenna's varied experience spans the gamut from climate mitigation to workforce development and urban forest management.
Key projects spearheaded by Malec-McKenna during her 17-year stint at the Chicago Department of Environment include developing Greencorps Chicago and overseeing operations such as the stormwater management and air quality programs. She also has a proven record of promoting legislative initiatives around soil and rubble reuse. Beyond developing public projects like the North Park Village Nature Center, Malec-McKenna has proved adept at nurturing a network of professionals dedicated to environmental stewardship.
Before stepping into this new role, Malec-McKenna accumulated 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and private sectors, focusing on a broad array of environment-related work, including sustainability solutions through a One Health approach and collaborative decision-making. Just recently, she convened the Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress in June 2025, which attracted an international crowd of over 1,700 scientists and practitioners, "bringing in 1,700 scientists and practitioners from 66 countries," the Cook County news release highlighted. Her consultancy roles with prominent organizations such as Audubon Great Lakes and the MAAFA Redemption Project underscore her multifaceted approach to combating climate change.
Malec-McKenna also boasts comprehensive educational credentials, with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and advanced degrees, including a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Communication from Northwestern University. This robust combination of experiences and education prepares her to lead Cook County's DES with a depth of knowledge and a breadth of practical expertise.
