Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough has been named Chair of the Legislative Committee for the International Association of Government Officials, a professional association of government Clerks and other elected officials that promotes excellence in public service through education, innovation, and professional networking.
The International Association of Government Officials (IGO) provides professional training and leadership development for Recorders, Clerks, Elections Officials, and Treasurers. The organization offers members opportunities to exchange ideas, elevate standards through education, and develop efficient ways to serve the public and promote the ethics of public service.
Sharon Davis, Register of Deeds for Durham County, North Carolina, and the incoming president of IGO, said Clerk Yarbrough's legislative experience made her an ideal candidate for the position.
"I am extremely pleased that the Honorable Karen Yarbrough has agreed to serve as Chair of our Legislative Committee," said Davis. "Her prior experience in the Illinois House of Representatives for the 7th District provides her with a wealth of knowledge, which will benefit our association in obtaining our goals."
As Chair of the Legislative Committee, Yarbrough will work on a national level to advocate and leverage support for legislation that provides improvements and efficiencies in local government operations. She recently authored a letter to U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth encouraging their support for national legislation that would provide funding for election modernization for local Clerks and election authorities.
“I look forward to bringing my legislative experience to work on behalf of the International Association of Government Officials,” said Yarbrough. “I am very excited to be leading an effort that will help advocate and support legislation to increase funding and improve the operations of local government Clerk’s offices and other agencies across the nation,” said Yarbrough.
As Clerk of Cook County, Yarbrough leads one of the largest unified Clerk’s offices in the nation, serving as the Chief Election Authority for suburban Cook County, administering all Cook County vital records, as well as recording, storing, and maintaining land records and other official documents. Last December she managed the successful assumption of duties of the former Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office, a cost-saving efficiency mandated by a taxpayer referendum.
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