Alexander-Hildebrand settling in as youngest County Board chairman

KANKAKEE – When Matthew Alexander-Hildebrand graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2020, he didn’t immediately envision himself holding the top job in Kankakee County government in less than five years.

Alexander-Hildebrand, a mere 27 years old, became the youngest Kankakee County Board chairman in December.

“I think it’s a humbling experience, and I think that, given my age, it gives the county a unique opportunity to look into the future,” he said in a recent interview in his fifth-floor corner office of the county administration building.

“... Whether that’s implementing technology or certain efficiencies that could be had through technology, [I’m] someone that could potentially be here for a long time and see through many projects that we may have.”

It’s still sinking in for Alexander-Hildebrand as he oversees the county’s day-to-day operations.

“I’ve only been in this position for 50 days, and there’s still a lot to learn,” he said. “I think if you came back to me in a year, I would be able to answer any question regarding that. … There’s a learning curve, obviously, when you start a job, and I think it takes time to know what the overall job description is.”

How he got here

It has been somewhat of a meteoric rise from board member to chairman for Alexander-Hildebrand, a lifelong Kankakee County resident.

After Alexander-Hildebrand, of Bourbonnais, was asked to fill a vacant District 16 board seat in March 2021. He was reelected in 2022 and was tabbed by former board Chairman Andy Wheeler to become vice chairman in December 2022.

While vice chairman he ascended to board chairman after Wheeler resigned under pressure in October 2024.

After winning reelection to his board seat in November, he was elected chairman in December by a 24-1 vote.

“I have the best interest of Kankakee County,” Alexander-Hildebrand said. “... I also want to inspire the younger generation to get involved, because I think there’s a lack of interest with younger people in government.

“I hope to be the person that could possibly pave the way for others to get involved.”

Family inspiration

Alexander-Hildebrand graduated with a business management degree from Loyola, and he didn’t have to go far to put that knowledge to use. He already had a great mentor in his grandfather, Jerry Alexander, the owner of Alexander Equipment Rental in Bourbonnais.

“I would say the best experience that I’ve ever gotten has been being around people that have been in the position of being a boss,” he said. “... My grandfather, Jerry Alexander, from day one, I think he’s been an integral part of my success. He’s always taught me to have a forward-thinking mindset and how to deal with problems on a daily basis.”

Alexander-Hildebrand worked for his grandfather as a logistics manager for a number of years, learning on the job.

“He has run his own business since 1979,” he said. “He’s in his mid-80s, and he still comes to work every single day.”

Anita Speckman, longtime Kankakee County administrator, said Alexander-Hildebrand has experience at looking at the process through a business perspective.

“I’ve had different leaders throughout my career, obviously, and I enjoy having a new leader with new ideas,” she said. “And that’s the way it is with Matt, and he’s also very open to listening to other ideas as well. He is very collaborative, and he likes to get ideas and discuss things. ”

While serving as vice chairman under Wheeler, he learned some of the nuances of county government.

“You really don’t know what this job entails until you actually start doing it yourself,” he said. “I know [Wheeler] was very involved with every committee and every board member. The preparation before board meetings is something that people don’t see ... but it does take a lot of work. And it takes a lot of effort with every county employee and elected official to put on these meetings for the public.”

A typical day for the chairman starts at 7 a.m. when he meets with the administration department. He works with the six department heads daily.

“I kind of like to say that this job is about maintaining what’s going on and if problems arise, just trying to do my best to alleviate those problems in a timely manner,” Alexander-Hildebrand said.

“He’s open to hearing another side, but he’s got a lot of really good ideas,” Speckman said.