Cook County Assessor and Executive Team

Prior to beginning his career in Cook County government, Fritz spent more than 20 years valuing assets as a mutual fund portfolio manager and analyst. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Illinois Assessment Officer designations. He is also a member of the IAAO. Fritz was born and raised in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago and still maintains close ties to the community. He attended Hyde Park’s Kenwood Academy for high school, completed his undergraduate studies at Haverford College, and received his MBA from Stanford University.

Scott Smith is the Chief of Staff and formerly served as the Chief Communications Officer at the CCAO. Prior to this, he worked in digital strategy for media brands including Chicago magazine and Time Out Chicago. His background includes social media strategy at marketing agencies and a previous career in social work. In his spare time, he does volunteer work in his South Side neighborhood and hosts a storytelling series called The Frunchroom. Scott is a 2022 fellow of the Civic Leadership Academy.

Ms. Gibbons oversees the legal department and ensures that the CCAO operates in accordance with state, federal, and local law. Previously, Tatia served as counsel to the Cook County Clerk and as an assistant state’s attorney. While in the Civil Bureau of State’s Attorney’s Office, Ms. Gibbons supervised a group responsible for defending officials in revenue, property, and local government matters. She serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola University School of Law. Tatia earned her degrees from the University of Illinois and the Ohio State University.

Wayne is a numbers enthusiast who studied Accountancy at the University of Illinois. At the Assessor’s Office Wayne manages the taxpayer services department. Prior to their role at the Assessor’s Office, they worked as the Township Assessor in Cunningham Township.

Michael Piper joined the Cook County Assessor’s Office in January of 2020 and is currently serving as the Chief Valuations Officer. Michael has over thirty years as an experienced real estate valuation/mass appraisal professional, including five years as the Chief Assessment Officer for the City of Philadelphia. An IAAO-designated Assessment Administration Specialist (A.A.S.) with expertise in ad valorem property assessment, local government administration, public policy, and policy analysis, Michael is an M.B.A. and a graduate of Temple University.

Prior to beginning her career with the Assessor’s Office, Jonneida Davis worked as the Chief of Hiring Oversight for the City of Chicago Inspector General’s Office for nine years where she monitored city-wide compliance with the City’s Hiring Plans and was instrumental in assisting achieve substantial compliance with the Shakman Accord in 2014. Jonneida earned her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law and BA from Florida State University.

Nicole specializes in public sector data strategy. She leads the development of dashboards, reports, and other data tools to improve the residential model and guide policymaking about property assessments and taxes. Before joining the CCAO she was a scientist. She managed research teams and projects through data collection, statistical modeling, conference presentations, and journal publications at UC Irvine, U. Iowa, Vanderbilt, and Northwestern. She is an IAAO member, and serves on its PTAPP Task Force.

Angelina specializes in digital communications and has led large-scale rebranding projects at the Assessor’s Office. She graduated from Cal State Los Angeles with a master’s degree in public administration and earned a digital marketing certificate from DePaul University. Prior to the Cook County Assessor’s Office, she worked for the Los Angeles County Assessor as a Communications-Special Assistant. She is a member of the IAAO, Women in Planning & Development, Campbell Community Garden, and is a Springboard to Success board member. 

David Morrison is the Chief Policy Officer with the CCAO. He manages the government relations unit, liaising with public officials and non-governmental organizations. Before he came to the CCAO he worked for the Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor, and prior to that, he was a registered lobbyist and non-profit leader for over two decades.

Kelwin is the Chief of Civic Engagement for the Cook County Assessor’s Office. He held multiple leadership roles in government and community development. Kelwin is a city planner and led engagement for Chicago’s regional plan. Kelwin holds a Bachelor’s in City & Regional Planning from Cornell University and a Master’s in Urban Planning from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. He is a member of the American Planning Association and the Public Policy Committee of the Urban Land Institute Chicago.

Nathan is the Chief Information Officer at the Assessor’s Office, bringing well over 20 years of experience in technology leadership and innovation. Nathan began his career with the Cook County Clerk’s Office where he held a variety of IT and leadership roles, including a stint as Clerk of the Board. He has led transformative projects, driven cutting-edge solutions and enhanced operational efficiencies. Nathan is dedicated to empowering his teams to deliver high-impact results to best serve the residents of Cook County.

Mirella has spent over 20 years in Cook County government, most of those specializing in property taxes. With a keen eye for detail and dogged determination, Mirella has focused on property tax operations, strategy and automation efforts, which includes several large-scale projects in both the Cook County Clerk’s Office and currently with the Assessor. A life-long resident of Cook County, Mirella has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and is constantly on a quest for enhancing her knowledge.
 

Christina focuses on special properties, FOIA matters, and serves as Ethics Officer. Prior to joining the Assessor’s Office, she served as Ethics Manager and Staff Attorney to the Cook County Clerk. While there, she managed lobbyist registrations, and Electoral Board operations, presided as a Hearing Officer, and administered the Vote by Mail program. She received her B.A. in International Studies from Miami University in Oxford, OH, and her J.D. and Certificate in Criminal Law from the DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, IL.
 

Nicole has dedicated her career to labor, employment, and social justice advocacy throughout Chicagoland on behalf of organized labor, management, and academic interests. She strives toward a human-centric approach in her practice of law.  Nicole earned her juris doctor from UIC Law and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan where she focused on curriculum in American Culture and Gender, Race, and Ethnicity.  Even though Nicole now lives in Illinois with her partner and kids, she proudly hails from metro-Detroit and visits whenever possible.

Craig Dovel is a property tax administration professional who has thirty-nine years of experience managing the annual tax cycle in Illinois. Craig’s role with the Assessor’s Office focuses on ad hoc analysis of various property types and processes. Before serving in his current role, Craig held the office of Chief County Assessment Officer of DuPage County, Illinois.  He earned the Certified Illinois Assessing Officer designation in 1985, and the International Association of Assessing Officers awarded him the fourth Assessment Administration Specialist designation in 1997. 

Brian Sibila joined the Assessor’s office in late 2020. Prior to the CCAO, Brian spent nearly 20 years working as a commercial real estate professional and has experience in all areas of commercial real estate practice including brokerage, property management, financial analysis, and property valuations. Brian has significant experience working with distressed properties and has served as a court-appointed receiver in foreclosure cases. Brian is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

Emily is a learning and development professional who is committed to life-long learning as well as to sharing knowledge for the growth and betterment of employees and organizations. Emily grew up in Humboldt Park and went to Roberto Clement High School. She earned an MA in communication from DePaul University, where she worked as Director of Compliance and Risk Management for many years, prior to joining the Assessor’s Office as the Director of Learning and Development in March 2022.

Jason Pyle has worked for the Cook County Assessor’s Office for more than 20 years. He has held various positions during that time, including Assistant Manager of Taxpayer Services, Manager of the Maywood Branch Office, and Manager of Exemption Processing. In his current role as Director of Investigations, Jason oversees the collection of wrongfully claimed property tax exemptions. The revenue collected by his department is distributed back to the local taxing bodies.

Raymond leads the Residential Valuation’s team at the Assessor’s Office.  He is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a degree in Geography.  Prior to the Cook County Assessor’s Office, he was part of the Cook County Clerk’s Office for 18 years.  His work was primarily focused on GIS, Managing the Tax Map Department, and election work.  He is a member of IAAO and ILGISA.

Jennifer is a bilingual communications professional. Driven by her experience as a lifelong Chicagoan and daughter of Mexican immigrants, she takes pride in providing accessible and high-quality information to residents of Cook County. As Director of Communications for the Cook County Assessor’s Office, Jennifer leads the Office's digital media presence and strategy. Jennifer received her bachelor's degree from DeVry University. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys reading with a cup of cafecito and volunteering at Chicago Books to Women in Prison.

TJ Schemmel currently serves as the Director of Commercial Valuations for the Cook County Assessor.  In this role, he oversees the majority of the commercial real estate assessments in Cook County. His experience in the commercial real estate sector spans over a decade and over multiple facets and companies (commercial real estate brokerage with Avison Young, commercial real estate appraisal with CohnReznick, and commercial real estate assessment).  He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration.

As a dynamic, results-oriented commercial real estate professional, Ms. Terzic has been involved in commercial real estate for over three decades on both a regional and national level. Ms. Terzic is the Director of Special Properties for the Cook County Assessor’s Office and is responsible for the assessment of complex income-producing properties from hotels to mixed-use developments. In addition, she is an adjunct instructor at DePaul University and Northwestern University. 

Erik has vast experience in strategy, operations, and marketing across multiple industries. Erik held leadership roles in non-profits, for-profits, and government organizations. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for two Chicago non-profits. Erik earned an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal State Dominquez Hills. 

Maria Delgado is an adept professional with over 15+ years of experience advancing operation efficiency, team unification, and overall organizational success. Prior to CCAO, Maria began her career in the private sector. To date, Maria holds an extensive history involving executive-level finance, budgeting, and accounting relations within the private sector. In addition, Maria is passionate about leveraging this dynamicity to not just exceed operational and financial objectives but do so while propelling various community initiatives forward.

Erik brings to bear his experiences as an Eagle Scout, Army veteran, and proud South Sider to serve the residents of Cook County. His work in the Assessor’s Office is centered on community outreach, intergovernmental affairs, and property tax legislation. As Chief of Staff to two consecutive ward alders, Erik advised on strategic communications, public policy and legislation, housing, infrastructure, development, education, and environmental matters. 

Lupe is a first-generation Latina who is dedicated to empowering the Latinx community. Through her experience in the nonprofit sector, she has developed expertise in providing financial education services and guiding fellow first-generation students through financial aid. As the Director of Outreach, Lupe utilizes her public speaking skills to ensure that vital information and resources reach all communities in Cook County.

Tia has worked in the Assessor’s office for more than thirty years. She has years of experience in Property Valuation/Mass Appraisal along with a wealth of knowledge of the entire assessment cycle.  Tia has held various managerial positions within the office.  As Chief of Staff of Valuations, Tia is responsible for coordinating the annual valuations department assessment cycle, facilitating the annual assessment calendar, and appeal deadlines, and overseeing valuations staff.

Andrea is a human resource professional with over 20 years of experience. Prior to joining the Assessor’s Office, she managed the human resources and payroll divisions for an agency within the City of Chicago for seven years. She has an extensive career working in the public sector. Andrea holds a Master’s degree in organizational leadership and a Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in business management and psychology. Andrea enjoys water aerobics and yoga. 

John manages the Assessor’s Affordable Housing initiatives and leads outreach with multifamily providers and developers. With nearly 20 years of service in the Office, John brings a breadth of public policy and assessment expertise. John is a graduate of DePaul University, serves on the Policy Committee for the Urban Land Institute, and is on the Leadership Board for the Preservation Compact. Although he is a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Northside, John’s baseball allegiances are skewed to the South Side, and he is a devout White Sox fan.

James Mendez is the Director of Policy for the Cook County Assessor’s Office. In his role, he monitors legislation relevant to the CCAO at the state, county, and municipal level. During his career, James has worked in multiple budgetary and legislative capacities at Chicago’s City Hall and the Illinois State Capitol. Academically, he obtained his B.A. in history from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an M.A. in public policy and administration from Northwestern University.

Christian Belanger is Director of Press Relations at the Assessor's Office. In his role, he assists with media inquiries and appearances for the Assessor and other members of the executive team, and ensures the public has timely and transparent access to information about Cook County's property tax system. Previously, he worked in community journalism in Chicago, including as editor of the Hyde Park Herald.

Kyra leads the Data team’s analytics projects, developing data dashboards and tools to inform policy, communications and operations. She has a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. While in graduate school, Kyra was a Data Science intern with the Cook County Assessor’s Office. She went on to hold several roles in data and policy analysis at other local government agencies. Prior to returning to CCAO, she was Assistant Director of Data Analytics at the City of Chicago’s Office of Budget and Management.  

Sandra is the IT Director at the Cook County Assessor's Office. Starting as an intern, nearly three decades ago, she has built extensive knowledge in IT, infrastructure development, and digital transformation initiatives. Sandra’s career reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in public service technology. Sandra continues to drive innovation and operational success helping the Assessor's Office navigate evolving technical landscapes.

Luz Agosto is a Senior Human Resources professional with over 25 years of combined experience in higher education and local government.  She is passionate about giving back to her community and contributing to a work environment where everyone can thrive.  Luz is a native Chicagoan. She attended DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School and College of Law.  She earned a Master of Science, Human Resources, and a Master of Jurisprudence. Luz serves as Director of Recruitment.

Before starting his career with the Cook County Assessor's Office, John Barrientos served as a Senior Investigator for the Cook County Office of the Independent Inspector General and as a Compliance Officer for the Chicago Park District Office of the Inspector General. He has extensive experience in conducting investigations, reviews, and compliance matters. As the Director of Compliance for the CCAO, John oversees the compliance of the CCAO Employment Plan, which includes monitoring and auditing employment actions. John enjoys volunteering and spending time with his family.