Bobbie L. Steele
| Bobbie L. Steele | |
|---|---|
| President of Cook County Board | |
|
In office August 1, 2006 – December 4, 2006 |
|
| Preceded by | John Stroger |
| Succeeded by | Todd Stroger |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Chicago |
| Occupation | Politician |
Bobbie L. Steele was sworn in as the 32nd president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners on August 1, 2006. She had been commissioner for the 2nd District of Cook County, Illinois for 20 years and served out the remainder of the current presidential term through December 4, 2006.
Steele was born in Cleveland, Mississippi where she lived until she completed high school in 1954. She later attended Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama for two years.
Steele moved to Chicago’s Westside in 1956 with the intention of finishing her education. In 1966, she graduated from Chicago’s Teacher’s College with a degree in Elementary Education. She went on the Roosevelt University where she earned her master's degree in Supervision and Administration of Education. For twenty years, Steele worked for the Chicago Public Schools.
Steele was the president of the National Association of Black County Officials and Chairperson of the National Association of County Officials Deferred Compensation Advisory committee.
She is a member of the National Council of Negro Women, League of Women Voters, Lake Shore Links, Incorporated, and United Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1986 after urging from Mayor Harold Washington, Steele decided on a career change and ran successfully for the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
Her major accomplishments include introducing an amendment to Cook County's Purchasing Ordinance, which established a goal of 25% participation for minorities and 10% for women on all county purchases. She also co-sponsored Cook County’s Human Rights and Ethics Ordinances. Steele introduced the ordinance renaming Cook County Hospital after then board president John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital. Early in her career, Steele had a vision to establish an on-site daycare center for county employees. This daycare center is now up and running.
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