Joe Cook
Committees:
Appellate Court Selection, Candidate Recruitment and Evaluation (Pre-Slating), Circuit Court Selection, Countywide Selection, Judicial Retention
Biography:
Joe Cook was elected the Democratic Committeeperson of the 41st Ward of Chicago in March of 2020. Joe was born and raised in the 41st Ward, where he and his wife are now raising their family as well. Joe, and his six siblings, attended St. Mary of the Woods grammar school. Joe then attended high school at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, and from there went on to Columbia University in New York City where he earned a degree in history and played football earning All-Ivy League honors at Linebacker. Joe earned his law degree at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago and began his legal career at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Joe was first assigned to the Criminal Appeals Division, the Narcotics Prosecution Bureau and then the Gang Crimes Unit. Joe gained invaluable experience combating gun trafficking as well as prosecuting gang-related gun crimes as a trial lawyer at the CCSAO. Joe currently works as a Principal Attorney at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, where he represents and defends the MWRD on a variety of legal issues in Federal Court, State Court and Administrative Courts. Joe also proudly serves as a Major in the United States Air Force JAG Corps, where he is currently assigned to the WI Air National Guard and drills out of the 128th ARW. Community service is integral to Joe’s life. He has been a volunteer coach at numerous schools, including Gordon Tech High School (now DePaul Academy) and St. Mary of the Woods. Joe previously served as the president of the Holy Name Society at St. Mary of the Wood’s Parish. He currently serves as the Vice President on the Board of Directors for The Tripp Healy Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on providing scholarship opportunities for underserved students. Joe is a proud Chicagoan who has stood for leadership and community since his days growing up in the 41st Ward. He and his wife Jenny have four daughters and live in Chicago’s Wildwood neighborhood. Having spent his entire career in public service, he is excited for this opportunity to continue to serve his community as the 41st Ward Democratic Committeeperson.