More about my work experience

My “day job” job is government consultant – I help local governments manage IT transitions. (For more: https://sanfordhess.com)

From 2013 – 2024, I was the City of Urbana’s IT Director, serving as a member of the Mayor’s cabinet and a division manager. For twenty years before that, I guided governments through financial system implementations – working at a software company.

IT is a good background for the County Executive because every County operation uses technology – and will use more in the future.

Our mission should be to use technology effectively and avoid waste. That is another theme of my career, as well as my writing and speaking. (For more on that please see my blog site: https://www.tectonicspeed.com)

About my community experience

In 2010, I veered off the corporate career path to take over Champaign’s Art Theater as my own business. For three years I ran the theater before we created the Art Theater Co-op to purchase the equipment needed to keep the theater going. (Read more here: https://www.cutheaterhistory.com/art-theater-hess) My disenchantment with returning to corporate life led me to the City position.

Looking back over 30 years, I see that the meaningful parts of my career were when I served my own community. Not just at the City of Urbana (or the Art Theater!), but also when I’ve volunteered as a Board Member and Scout Leader (Committee Chair and Assistant Scoutmaster).

In May 2025, I took office as Trustee of Champaign Township. I ran because of timing. Immediately after the November election, I was asked to run for local Township on a Democratic slate. Inspired by my “what can I do?” reaction to the President, I said “yes!”

So far, the best part of being Trustee was the chance to run for office. Talking to Democrats during February – March of 2025 was gratifying. All of us want to make a difference. This is my way of doing something.

I’m running for this office because I fear that Americans are losing faith in our government infrastructure.

Yes, government can be improved, but it should not be shut off. Society needs a functioning government – it’s a platform to build on.

I may not have much impact at the national level, but I can make a difference here – in my adopted hometown.