Kenosha Reporter

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has been elected to a two-year term as President of the Wisconsin County Executives and Administrators Association. The announcement was made in a press release on March 25, 2025.

The organization, established in 1981, convenes full membership meetings twice a year during the Wisconsin Counties Association’s annual convention in the fall and legislative conference in the spring. Its Board of Directors meets more frequently to address county-related concerns such as the state budget. Kerkman will lead the board alongside President-Elect Nick Trimmer, Price County Administrator, and Secretary-Treasurer Larry Bierke, Iowa County Administrator. Additional board members include Past President and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, along with officials from Brown, Door, Outagamie, and Lincoln counties. Wisconsin Counties Association representatives Kyle Christianson and Sarah Diedrick-Kasdorf also serve on the board.

"I'm pleased to take on this role, representing Kenosha County's interests along with those of counties across Wisconsin," said Kerkman. "I look forward to sharing our success stories with my colleagues from around the state, and bringing best-practice ideas from elsewhere back to Kenosha County."

Kerkman is a Kenosha County native who was elected County Executive in 2022 after serving over 20 years in the state Assembly. The position of County Executive is non-partisan and elected every four years. It involves responsibilities such as county administration, budget preparation, and appointing department heads and board members. Key areas of focus during her tenure include public safety, infrastructure, and human services.

Kenosha County is overseen by elected officials including a county executive and a 23-member board of supervisors. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, it borders Racine County, Lake Michigan, Illinois, and Walworth County. Its mission is to enhance community well-being through efficient services that support residents and economic development. The county board represents districts of approximately 7,300 residents each and functions as the legislative body by holding meetings and maintaining committees to address governance matters.