Nick Shields serves as Cook County Health’s Chief External Affairs and Civic Engagement Officer. In this role, he builds and develops robust relationships with healthcare, business, academic, civic, and community organizations to advance CCH’s mission.

Mr. Shields is an award-winning communications and external affairs professional. He most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications in the Offices under Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. During this time, he worked closely with the CCH communications and intergovernmental affairs teams, including co-leading Cook County’s COVID-19 pandemic communications, and in developing the Provident Scholarship.

Previously, Mr. Shields served as Communications Director for the Cook County Clerk where he created public education and voting rights campaigns, led marketing efforts, and served as a liaison to community and advocacy groups. He also held the role of Director of Communications for Navy Pier, Inc. where he spearheaded external affairs and communications for the Midwest’s largest leisure and tourism destination.

After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Mr. Shields worked as a journalist for the Los Angeles Times and Baltimore Sun. Additionally, Mr. Shields worked for Chicago Tonight as a producer and reporter where he won a local Emmy.