Karen Yarbrough


Karen Yarbrough is an American politician currently serving as County Clerk for Cook County, Illinois. Elected on November 6, 2018, she is the first female and African American to hold the position. Yarbrough previously served as Cook County Recorder of Deeds from 2012 to 2018 and as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013.

Education and career

Yarbrough earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, a master’s in Inner City Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and attended non-degree executive education at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Yarbrough is the founder and CEO of Hathaway Insurance Agency, where she has worked for thirty years.

Community involvement

Yarbrough has served as president of the Maywood Chamber of Commerce, and on the boards of United Way of Suburban Chicago and the Oak Park YMCA.

State Representative

Yarbrough was first elected in 2000, defeating incumbent Wanda Sharp. Her term began in January, 2001, and she was later appointed an assistant majority leader. She served on several house committees ; House Insurance Committee and was a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, and the Governor’s Safety and Re-Entry Commission.

Personal life

Yarbrough's father, Don Williams, is an insurance agent and former village president of the Village of Maywood. She is married to Henderson Yarbrough, Sr., a current Maywood village trustee and former Maywood village president. They have seven grandchildren.