[1] They are the head of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

The president is chosen in a county-wide general election for a 4-year term, without term limits, at the same time that the county elects single-district board members.

Duties of the President include presenting a balanced budget to the Board for approval, as well as overseeing County Board meetings and the Bureaus of Offices Under the President.

This grants them the ability to veto or approve ordinances and resolutions, as well as the ability to appoint certain employees to the Cook County administration, though they may need the consent of the Board to do so.

Additionally, the President must present an annual report to the Board on county affairs and its finances, which would require reports and an examination of Cook County administrative units, as well as their properties.