Apr. 19, 2022 11:30a
(WGTD)---Samantha Kerkman was sworn into office Monday night as Kenosha County Executive, becoming the fifth person to serve in that elected position since it was established 40 years ago. She succeeds Jim Kreuser who retired.
Kerkman's former husband, Kenosha Judge Chad Kerkman, administered the oath during a small, private ceremony that included the couple's two sons and her parents, Mark and Marge Starzyk. A larger, public event will be scheduled in the coming weeks, according to a news release from her office.
The hiring of two members of Kerkman's office staff has been announced.
Tami Rongstad, a longtime staff member of Kerkman's legislative office in Madison, will serve as her Chief of Staff. Kerkman, who has served in the state Assembly since 2001, is expected to step down from that position in the coming weeks. Her replacement will be selected in the fall elections.
Serving as Kerkman's office manager will be Jill Tatge-Rozell, a western Kenosha County native who has covered the area for the Kenosha News for a number of years. She's expected to join the county executive's staff on May 16th after she ends her employment with the paper.
Said Kerkman in the release: "I'm excited to hit the ground running. I look forward to continuing a process of listening to stakeholders inside and outside of county government about their needs and concerns, and forging a productive path forward for the county. I am honored to have this opportunity."
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