MEET LIZ GORMAN

On December 5, 2006, Cook County Commissioner Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman was sworn in to her second term as Cook County Commissioner. She was hailed by the Chicago Sun-Times as a "Strong new voice for the southern suburbs." (Steve Neal column, 9/8/03) In making her first run for public office, Gorman defeated a twelve year incumbent with strong support from a diverse coalition of business and civic leaders, as well as the endorsements of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, and the Daily Southtown.

Gorman represents more than 316,000 constituents in Cook County as Commissioner for the 17th District, a sprawling area that stretches from Prospect Heights in northwestern Cook County to the Orland Park area in southwestern Cook County. The 17th District also encompasses O'Hare International Airport and is 47 miles in length and 17 miles at its widest point.

Liz has served as the Orland Township Republican Committeeman for the past 5 years and served from February 12, 2006 through March 15, 2008 as the Chairman of the Cook County Republican Central Committee.

Gorman has impressed many as an independent-minded leader who reaches across party lines to build consensus. Gorman was congratulated in a Chicago Tribune editorial for standing up with a bi-partisan coalition of reform-minded commissioners to thwart tax increases championed by Board President John Stroger in a budget proposal the Tribune called "diabolical" and "sneaky" (12/22/03)

Gorman also has not hesitated to stand up against her own party when she believes reform is needed. Gorman crossed party lines to join Democrat reformers to elect independent board members to the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation Board (METRA) The Chicago Sun-Times praised Gorman for "seeking to end business as usual at the county building", as well as for her "Political Courage".

In addition to serving as the Chairman of the Suburban Caucus, Commissioner Gorman serves on 21 standing committees and sub-committees of the Cook County Board and is Chairman of the Worker’s Compensation and the Public Health Committees and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Information Technology & Automation, Oak Forest Hospital, Roads and Bridges and the Rules and Administration Committees.

A native of the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago, Gorman grew up in a working class family. Her father was a Chicago fireman and electrician and her mother was an Amtrack Reservationist, retiring after 25 years of service. Gorman attended Mother McAuley High School and received a B. A. degree in Business Administration from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota, where she received a partial athletic scholarship. In 2008, Gorman received her MBA from the University of Notre Dame through the Executive MBA program. Gorman is a successful small businesswoman who created her own insurance agency that she still manages today. A community activist, Gorman is a member of the Orland Park Chamber of Commerce and is active in her children's schools and activities.

Gorman lives in Orland Park with her husband, Gerald and three sons: Conor, 15; Liam, 14; and Shane 11. The Family attends St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orland Park.