Chicago Heights Appoints First African-American Woman Treasurer

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — The City of Chicago Heights has appointed a familiar face in town as the new treasurer for the city. Laretta Adams will be the first African-American woman to hold the treasurer’s post, according to a news release from the city.

Last week, the top Chicago Heights School District 170 administrator was appointed to the role at the Chicago Heights regular city council meeting. The top fiscal slot in town will soon belong to the D170 assistant superintendent, after the city council unanimously approved of her appointment. Adams' appointment comes after long-time treasurer of the city, Jim Dee, who is also a certified public accountant and former Chicago Heights Park District commissioner, resigned from the post he held since 2011.

Adams is a former Bloom Township trustee, and also oversees a $90 million budget as District 170’s chief business official, will help provide fiscal oversight of the city’s approximately $80 million annual budget, according to the city.

“As District 170’s chief business official managing a $90 million annual budget, I can hit the ground running on day-one as Chicago Heights’ city treasurer,” Adams said. “Nevertheless, I want to express my appreciation to Mayor Gonzalez for his confidence in my ability to serve as treasurer."

Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez said it will be an “honor” to work with Adams.

“The City of Chicago Heights is fortunate to have a professional of Laretta Adams’ stature assume the post of city treasurer,” Gonzalez said. “It will be an honor to work alongside Treasurer Adams to ensure the continued financial integrity and health of Chicago Heights.”

Adams will serve out the remainder of Dee’s term, which expires in April 2023. The mayor also paid tribute to Dee’s decade of service.

“After he was elected in 2011, Jim Dee brought the Chicago Heights Treasurer’s office into the modern accounting age, implementing and maintaining professional accounting standards throughout his tenure,” Gonzalez said. “Moreover, I count Jim, who was born in Chicago Heights, as both a partner and a friend with whom I share the mission of creating a new, inclusive, and prosperous city.”

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