Title
Resolution recognizing Carla Wyckoff for her years of service as the Lake County Clerk.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Carla Wyckoff was elected to the Office of Lake County Clerk in November 2014; and
WHEREAS, Carla Wyckoff earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree in business administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law; and
WHEREAS, Carla Wyckoff’s 19 years of experience in the State’s Attorney’s Office, of which 13 years were dedicated to the representation of the former County Clerk, provided her with a strong understanding of election law and a foundation to represent the citizens of Lake County; and
WHEREAS, Carla Wyckoff has been a vocal proponent of maintaining accuracy, fairness, and integrity in the election process; and
WHEREAS, during Carla Wyckoff’s tenure, she complied with major legislative mandates to provide Election Day voter services throughout the county, including same day registration at every polling site and the establishment of universal early voting sites; and
WHEREAS, Carla Wyckoff managed the County Clerk’s office with integrity, ensuring that residents received superior customer service while diligently protecting the legal documents in the Clerk’s office; and
WHEREAS, Carla Wyckoff initiated the process of preserving historic documents including the Books of Supervisors as well as birth, death, and marriage records; and
WHEREAS, Carla Wyckoff worked to control costs in the County Clerk’s office by cross-training her staff and printing election materials internally, thereby reducing the need for seasonal workers and decreasing reliance on outside vendors; and
WHEREAS, Carla Wyckoff worked diligently to replace outdated election equipment, improve efficiency and update procedures in the Clerk’s office; and
WHEREAS, in collaboration with other departments, Carla Wyckoff worked on the implementation of a new, streamlined and integrated tax management system; and
WHEREAS, under Carla Wyckoff’s leadership, the County Clerk’s office improved communication to residents that led to record vote by mail ballots received and early voter turnout in the November 2016 election. Efforts included creating an election’s web page, increasing outreach efforts through e-newsletters and news releases, attending civic and community events; and the “Vote Like a Couch Potato” vote by mail campaign which was recognized nationally, earning a first-place savvy award from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association for “Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent;” and
WHEREAS, in addition to Carla Wyckoff’s commitment as a public servant, she has been an active member of her community and has served on many civic and religious organizations such as the Independence Center, First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, Friends of Lake Forest Library Board, and City of Lake Forest Legal Committee.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois does offer its sincere gratitude and appreciation for Carla Wyckoff’s stewardship, professionalism, and administration of the election process and other official duties as the Lake County Clerk.
Dated at Waukegan, Illinois on November 13, 2018.