Changing of the Guard - Rob Russell Reflects on 12 Years of Leadership as Kane County Coroner
Rob Russell has moved on as Kane County Coroner after more than a decade in office, reflecting on his achievements in transforming the office from disarray to a nationally recognized institution.
When Russell took office, the coroner’s office was in crisis after years of neglect. The deteriorating facility was plagued by mold, failing equipment, and poor ventilation that caused unpleasant odors and complaints. Russell advocated tirelessly for resources, eventually securing a new, state-of-the-art facility on the Judicial Center campus in St. Charles, which opened in 2021.
One of Russell’s early priorities was providing dignified burials for dozens of unclaimed cremains, some dating back to the 1950s. While some remains were reunited with surviving family members, others were placed in a niche at a columbarium in St. Charles instead of being left forgotten in storage.
“It makes a statement that we honor and care about people, whether they are here or not,” Russell said.
During his tenure, the office earned accreditation from the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, becoming the first in Illinois to achieve this distinction. Russell and his team also faced major challenges, including the Aurora mass shooting, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the opioid epidemic. The office distributed 2,000 Narcan kits and installed vending machines that have saved lives across the county.
In one of his final press conferences, Russell announced the identification of remains found in a Batavia home as an Indiana woman who died in 1866.
Russell also partnered with Sheriff Ron Hain to establish a local crime lab, securing nearly $1 million in federal funding. He will continue as a consultant to complete the project starting in 2025.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Russell emphasized the critical role of his staff.
“Without the people I partnered with here in the office, none of this would have happened. I’m a big believer in bringing in the right people, training them to do what they need to do, and then stepping out of their way to let them succeed.”
Russell is succeeded by former Kane County Board member Monica Silva of Aurora. 
Russell issued the following statement before his departure:
The Passing of the Torch
It has been my sincere honor for the past 12 years to be called Coroner Rob Russell. Today, I address the public for the last time with that title. I do so not with any bitterness in my heart, but rather with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This is fitting, as this time of year is dedicated to reflecting on and celebrating the many blessings we have been given. In particular, I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve as the Kane County Coroner.
My tenure began amidst turmoil. The office was in chaos following an era marked by scandal, neglect, and fractured public trust. A previous coroner had faced indictment and later passed away. Although I do not believe he acted with ill intent, his physical health challenges led to mismanagement and a loss of public confidence.
From day one, my focus was on rebuilding the office by partnering with colleagues, stakeholders, and the community. An early success came with addressing the unclaimed cremains that had been neglected for decades. Some dated back to the 1950s. We used media outreach to publish the names of the deceased, reuniting several remains with their next of kin—some as far away as Australia. Others received dignified placement in a columbarium.
Although this was a relatively simple task compared to other challenges, it set a tone for the office's transformation. However, I quickly faced obstacles, including political resistance—even from within my own party. Over the next several years, the office battled the legacy of neglect, working in an unsafe and inadequate facility while constantly advocating for resources.
One of the lowest points came during Thanksgiving 2013, when a freezer failed, causing the remains of a severely decomposed individual to thaw. This incident underscored the urgent need for better infrastructure. Despite opposition and unwarranted criticism, we persevered.
Through determination and teamwork, the Kane County Coroner’s Office evolved from a "laughingstock" to a respected, accredited agency. Accreditation involved rigorous scrutiny by experts in the medicolegal death industry, significantly improving our operations and public trust.
Beyond accreditation, the office handled unprecedented challenges, including the Aurora mass shooting, the COVID-19 pandemic, and record-breaking numbers of death investigations. We also tackled the opioid epidemic by distributing 2,000 Narcan kits and installing life-saving Narcan vending machines, which have already documented several successful interventions.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without my incredible staff. From Chief Deputy Loren Carrera to every member of the team, your dedication and hard work have been the foundation of our success. Thank you for your selfless service and commitment to excellence.
As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” I aim to end my tenure by ensuring my successor, Dr. Monica Silva, inherits an office equipped for continued success. Bitterness, ego, and divisiveness have no place in public service. I have focused on leaving a legacy of integrity and service, putting the needs of our community above all else.
Serving the citizens of Kane County as Coroner has been the greatest privilege of my life. While I do not know what the future holds, I am proud to leave the office stronger than I found it: from an outdated laundry facility to a state-of-the-art forensic center, from disarray to national accreditation, and from neglect to recognition.
Thank you, Kane County, for the honor of serving you.
Sincerely,
Coroner Rob Russell
(12/1/2012–12/1/2024)
