Respected Attorney Joins Will County’s Community Initiatives Team

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow has hired well-respected attorney Carole Cheney to join his team as a Director of Public Affairs, Community Engagement and Partnerships. She was once the District Chief of Staff to Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11). Cheney’s newly created position will help lead efforts in the Will County State’s Attorney office with preventing crime in the community, justice initiatives, community engagement, developing partnerships and media relations.

“The Director of Public Affairs, Community Engagement and Partnerships will aid in the important role of bringing together members of our community in my continuing efforts to serve the people of Will County,” Glasgow said. “We will expand on existing programs that utilize creative solutions that offer justice and compassion to crime victims, rehabilitation for non-violent offenders who seek a self-sustaining, law-abiding life, and a hand-up to those who need assistance in building their future as part of our community.”

Cheney has a vast and highly skilled background. In addition to her role with Congressman Foster, she served as a litigation partner at international law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Prior to those roles, Cheney was a news director and broadcast anchor with a national public radio station, press secretary for the Illinois Senate and a news media coordinator for the National Safety Council.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast from the University of Illinois in Urbana, Cheney went on to receive a master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting from their sister school the University of Illinois in Springfield. She earned her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. One of her many accomplishments in law school included being named the Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review.

“With her legal, communications, and government affairs background, as well as her genuine compassion for the human condition, Ms. Cheney brings to the table a skill set that will assist me in further enhancing the services I have worked diligently to provide for the people of Will County,” said Glasgow.

Glasgow hopes the creation of this position and his previous initiatives will aid in continuing to develop new and innovative programs and partnerships to help better serve the people of Will County.

Cheney’s new role replaces the Director of the Bureau of Crime Prevention and Public Access position, which was previously held by Chuck Pelkie.

Pelkie is leaving Glasgow's office to become the new chief of staff for newly elected Will County Clerk Lauren Staley-Ferry, who is also a Democrat.

Image via the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office