KATHY RANKIN BROWN was sworn-in as the Deputy Clerk of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners on March 22, 2023. She initially came to the Board in 2004, and in the 19 years since has held the positions of Research Assistant, Chief of Administrative Services, and now Deputy Clerk.

In this role, Kathy manages all aspects of the Office of the Board of County Commissioners. In addition to representing and supporting the commissioner board in the Conference and Board meetings, she ensures legal and fiduciary requirements are met, researches and responds to Open Public Records Act inquiries, serves as liaison between the Board and the County Administration, and responds to public inquiries.

Kathy was born in East Chicago, Indiana, the youngest of seven children born to the late Rev. Dr. T. H. Rankin, Sr., and the late Sallie Mae Lewis Rankin. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Seton Hall University, and her Executive Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University Newark.

Kathy’s past roles span Case Manager/Public Assistance Specialist, Employment Counselor, Job Developer, Manager, and Director of Placement for several agencies. In these capacities, she managed staff, conducted employability and life skills training, and developed policies, procedures, job descriptions and training programs.

As the daughter of a Baptist Minister, being a servant leader has always been a way of life. Kathy gives back through her church, Union Baptist Church of Montclair, where she is an active member. She loves and is devoted to her family, of which she is most proud. Kathy has been married to her loving husband Marlon L. Brown for the last 39-years. They reside in Montclair and have three wonderful adult children: Amber Janelle, Leila Tai and Marlon Bryant.