Title
Special Recognition of Jim Hawkins and his years of service to Lake County.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Jim Hawkins began working for Lake County in September of 2018 as the Project Manager for the Regional 9-1-1 Consolidation Planning Project and then accepted a permanent position with the County in August of 2019 to serve as the Deputy County Administrator; and
WHEREAS, Jim Hawkins joined Lake County, bringing with him 27 years of experience in the United States Navy, where he retired as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Station Great Lakes; and
WHEREAS, as the Deputy County Administrator, he supported several of the Board’s committees including Rules; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Financial & Administrative, and Committee of the Whole, along with the Regional 9-1-1 Consolidation committees; and
WHEREAS, his policy framework development and implementation of policies and directives provided important guidance and direction during the COVID-19 pandemic response; and
WHEREAS, Jim Hawkins has been helpful and supportive to County departments, providing direction and clarification on a number of County initiatives and directives; and
WHEREAS, working with Workforce Development, Jim Hawkins initiated the Department of Defense Skillbridge internship program for Lake County, which facilitates the transition of eligible service members into civilian sector careers with industry providers/employers for a high probability of post-service employment, and has had eleven service members placed in the program since inception; and
WHEREAS, under his leadership and through extensive collaboration with local municipalities, police and fire departments, he proved invaluable in the establishment of Lake Consolidated Emergency Communications (LakeComm), bringing over 24 member agencies together in 9-1-1 consolidation efforts; and
WHEREAS, he has been a steadfast and dedicated administrator and executive for the Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility, and his collaboration with multiple agencies, departments, and elected officials ensured the ROC project was on-time, on-budget, and focused on operational success.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that this County Board, of Lake County, Illinois hereby honors Jim Hawkins for his dedication and years of service to Lake County and the residents it serves; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, that the County Board offers its best wishes to him for all his future endeavors.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on October 8, 2024.