About Your Candidate

Why Christina Valdez is the Right Person for the Job

Christina is part of the framework of Winnebago County. Through her volunteer stewardship, she has solidified that her community is her home, and she is determined to take care of her home. Christina’s professional endeavors ensure that she brings a diverse background seen through an investigator’s eye, with a mind focused on best practices in public-sector finance, and a civil servant’s heart. Community, Public Safety, Mental Health, and Transparency are at the core of Christina’s platform. A vote for Christina is a vote for Winnebago County.

Christina would like to be your choice for the seat for the 16th District of Winnebago County Board. Through her passion, drive, and integrity, Christina will help not only uplift the 16th District, but the County as a whole. Her ability to see situations as multi faceted, and important on both sides of the aisle gives her the unique perspective to listen, learn, and act in the best interest of her constituents.

Background

Christina was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Rudy and Julia Valdez in 1983. Her family relocated to Rockford a few years thereafter, and Christina was raised here with her two younger sisters, Laura and Catherine. The girls attended St. Bridget and Boylan High School, respectively, where Christina graduated in 2001. Christina and her spouse Joel Zirkle have been married since 2022, and co-parent Maddie (16), Jack (14), and Max (7). Maddie, Jack, and Max are proud members of RPS 205. The children enjoy their many pets, including dogs, cats, chinchillas, and guinea pigs!

Volunteer History

Christina has been a firm believer in giving back to her community. Her drive for volunteerism is echoed by her family, who are all active members of boards and volunteer initiatives that are dear to all of their hearts. Christina’s volunteer history includes:

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Illinois- Current President

  • Rock & Roll Institute- Current President

  • Crusader Community Health Foundation Board- Current Board Member

  • Alignment Rockford Healing Centered School Support- Current Steering Committee Member

  • Coalition of Latino Leaders- Current Member

  • Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce- Past Board Member

  • Rockford Public School District Education Committee- Past Member

  • And many more!

Work History

Christina’s background in finance extends back to her first job in banking in 2004. She was a financial crimes investigator for multiple local banks and moved to a career with the City of Rockford overseeing their Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This multi-million dollar budget creation and oversight was funded by tax dollars and government grants, which solidified Christina’s passion for local government work. After several years, Christina moved to CFO of a local construction company before ultimately becoming the Finance Officer for the Rockford Area Arts Council.

Recognitions

  • 2023 Community Hero Award (Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce)

  • 2016 Promise Award Recipient (YWCA)

  • 2016 People You Should Know (Rockford Register Star)

  • 2015 Community Service Award (Rockford Park District)

Christina’s Pillars

Community

  • Support greater opportunities through infrastructure and economic development

  • Advocate for safer business districts and neighborhoods

  • Continue to advocate for the community through vast past, present, and future roles as a dedicated volunteer

Public Safety

  • Provide law enforcement with the correct tools and resources

  • Ensure community partners have a voice

  • Continue to advocate for proactive solutions to public safety through early childhood intervention

Mental Health

  • Build and support more responsive, accessible mental health care and resources

  • Prioritize appropriate mental health spending for better outcomes

  • Continue to promote and advocate for increased social-emotional programming within our schools

  • Continue to eliminate the stigma of mental illness through continued education and advocacy

Transparency

  • Provide fiscal integrity and spending analysis of public funds

  • Center community interests through ethical and respectful decision making