Bridget Degnen

Bridget Degnen is the Cook County Commissioner in District 12. Before becoming a Commissioner, she received her undergraduate degree in environmental engineering. She then served in the United States Peace Corps, in Mali, West Africa, after which she worked as an environmental engineer, then became an attorney practicing law in both the private and public sectors. Before her election as a Cook County Commissioner, she served as the Deputy General Counsel of the Illinois Department of Public Health, then served as the first Deputy Director of Medical Cannabis regulating dispensaries licensed under Illinois’ Medical Cannabis Program. 

Bridget chose to serve as Cook County Commissioner because she’s dedicated to problem-solving, promoting public safety, public health, good government, and combatting climate change. Bridget’s priorities include pragmatic financial housekeeping, combating climate change through green initiatives aimed at reducing the County’s carbon footprint, and keeping our neighborhoods safe and healthy. 

She is currently the Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee and the Audit Committee, has led green efforts at the County to reduce its carbon footprint, reduce single use plastics, reduce the county’s reliance of fossil fuel vehicles, increase tree planting and solar infrastructure.  

Bridget grew up in Edgebrook, a neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side, and now lives in North Center, on Chicago’s north side, with her husband and son.