Chicago City Wire

The Cook County Board has approved the appointment of Chelsey Grassfield to the Cook County Environmental Commission.

Grassfield works as a policy manager with Friends of the Chicago River, which she first joined in April 2019. 

“As policy manager, I regularly work with elected officials at all levels of government to educate and advocate for policies that protect and enhance our river system,” said Grassfield, in a post on the Friends of the Chicago River blog. “I have a deep knowledge of our wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and the related issues facing our region. The river is an under-valued resource for climate resiliency, which I can bring to the forefront. I very much look forward to contributing to the already impressive work this commission has accomplished.”

She previously worked as a research assistant with the Metropolitan Planning Council.

A native of Roseville, California outside Sacramento, Grassfield graduated in 2012 from California State University-Sacramento, with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching. She earned a Master of Education in 2014 from University of California, Davis.

Founded in 2019, Cook County Environmental Commission was founded to "ensure Cook County is a leader in combating global warming" and to promote policies "aimed at reducing the carbon footprint within the borders of Cook County." It meets every other month.

Current members include Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen of North Center, Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer of Homan Square, Chicago 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas of McKinley Park, Field Museum ecologist Douglas Stotz of Westchester, Ingredion Inc. executive Robert Mead of Old Town, DePaul professor Mark Potosnak of Evanston, Internist Dr. Sarah Lovinger of Evanston and soil consultant Victoria Wilson of Dolton.

Grassfield's appointment until October 2023. The position is unpaid.