DeKalb County Creates New Sheriff Role, Names County Administrator

County Board approves co-respondent position in Sheriff's Department, appoints Ruth Kedzior as new County Administrator

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The DeKalb County Board has approved the creation of a new co-respondent position in the Sheriff's Department, fully funded by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The board also appointed Ruth Kedzior as the new County Administrator, succeeding Derek Hiland who had been serving in an interim capacity.

Why it matters

The new co-respondent role in the Sheriff's Department aims to improve responses to incidents involving children and families, while the appointment of a permanent County Administrator provides stability and leadership for the county government after a period of transition.

The details

The co-respondent position in the Sheriff's Department will be funded by the state for four years at an annual cost of $197,090, covering salary, benefits, equipment, and operational expenses. Ruth Kedzior, the new County Administrator, has pledged to take care of county employees, residents, and all those whose lives intersect with the county. She succeeds Derek Hiland, the Community Development Director who had been serving as the Interim County Administrator following the resignation of former administrator Brian Gregory in 2024.

  • The DeKalb County Board approved the creation of the new co-respondent position on February 24, 2026.
  • Ruth Kedzior was appointed as the new County Administrator on February 24, 2026.

The players

Ruth Kedzior

The newly appointed DeKalb County Administrator, succeeding Derek Hiland who had been serving in an interim capacity.

Derek Hiland

The Community Development Director who had been serving as the Interim County Administrator following the resignation of former administrator Brian Gregory in 2024.

Brian Gregory

The former DeKalb County Administrator who resigned in 2024.

Corey Rheinecker

An individual who was appointed to the County Administrator role in June 2025 but rescinded his acceptance shortly after.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

The state agency that will fully fund the new co-respondent position in the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

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What they’re saying

“I want to make a commitment to everybody. I am going to take care of everyone in our care. That means the employees, that means the county residents, that means all of you, and that means everybody whose lives intersect with this county.”

— Ruth Kedzior, DeKalb County Administrator

What’s next

The new co-respondent position in the Sheriff's Department will begin operations in the coming months, while Kedzior will assume her duties as the permanent County Administrator.

The takeaway

The creation of the new co-respondent role and the appointment of a permanent County Administrator demonstrate DeKalb County's commitment to improving public services and providing stable leadership for the community.