Wind Beneath Their Wings: Improving a County Healthcare System


Chief Communications Officer, Caryn Stancik, and General Counsel, Elizabeth Reidy, recognized the value of having a highly functional government healthcare system to care for the medically underserved population of Cook County. Their careers were devoted to helping guide Cook County Hospital through the Affordable Care Act, a transition to an independent health system board; they provided stability through a series of CEOs. They describe their motivation for working in government, in health care, and how the mission sustained them as they developed legal and communications strategies to navigate a series of crises—and, they managed to retain their sense of humor. Find out what it takes to thrive in a no-frills work environment.


Chief Communications Officer, Caryn Stancik, and General Counsel, Elizabeth Reidy, recognized the value of having a highly functional government healthcare system to care for the medically underserved population of Cook County. Their careers were devoted to helping guide Cook County Hospital through the Affordable Care Act, a transition to an independent health system board; they provided stability through a series of CEOs. They describe their motivation for working in government, in health care, and how the mission sustained them as they developed legal and communications strategies to navigate a series of crises—and, they managed to retain their sense of humor. Find out what it takes to thrive in a no-frills work environment.