New Winnebago County treasurer sworn in as Sue Goral retires after nearly 50 years with the office

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Theresa Grennan was sworn in Friday as the new Winnebago County treasurer, succeeding Sue Goral, who is retiring after nearly five decades with the office.

Grennan was installed by Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli in a brief ceremony at the Treasurer’s Office at the downtown Winnebago County Administration Building.

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She has spent 30 years with the Treasurer’s Office, including the past 16 as its chief deputy involved with the day-to-day management of the department.

“Her extensive experience and dedication to the office will ensure a smooth transition and continued high standards of service to our community,” Chiarelli said.

Grennan called it an incredible honor to step into the role, and she said she will follow the example Goral has set.

“While Sue’s leadership will be missed, I am determined to uphold the exceptional level of customer service that she established over the years, and I look forward to continuing the great work of this office,” she said.

Goral, a Democrat, won reelection in 2022 in a tight race with Steve Schultz that flipped on mail-in votes. She is retiring after a 49-year career with the office.

She got her start in 1975 by stuffing tax bills when the office was lead by former Treasurer Doug Aurand, who led the department for more than 28 years before stepping down in 1999.

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Goral was then appointed treasurer and served for 25 years. She was elected eight times, and was unopposed in six of those elections. She faced opposition in only her first and final election.

“It’s treating the public with respect and care,” Goral said of voters sticking with her eight times. “People call here and have issues with paying their taxes, and we try to be as understanding as we can be and helpful in pointing them in the direction they might need to go.”

The Treasurer’s Office is responsible for collecting and distributing tax dollars to the various government bodies in Winnebago County. It also works to assist taxpayers with questions about their bills.

The department has seven employees and a low turnover rate with many long-term workers. Goral said Grennan is ready to take over leading the department.

“I knew it was going into good hands,” Goral said. “She’s very compassionate and caring about the taxpayers.”

Grennan will be up for election in November 2026 and said she plans to ask voters to keep her in the position.

“After 30 years, I’ve learned a lot from (Goral). Not just work related, but life lessons on how to treat people and how everybody’s circumstances are different,” Grennan said. “We just need to care and listen to what they have to say. Most of the time, people just need somebody to talk to when they’re frustrated and come in here.”

Goral, who turns 80 in April, said now was the right time for her to step away.

“It was time to retire and enjoy life and do the things I want to do,” she said. “First I’m going to Florida, then I’m going to Las Vegas, then I’m going to look for a part-time job. So, I’ll be busy.”

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas