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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, one of the longest-serving elected officials in Cook County, IL history, announces the release of her memoir, Maria the Pappas, a personal reflection on faith, service, leadership, and the experiences that shaped her life and public career. Interwoven throughout the memoir is her conviction that faith provides purpose and direction. From a young girl praying in a small West Virginia church to an elected official serving millions of residents, Pappas describes this remarkable journey.
The release of Maria the Pappas will support the next generation of Orthodox Christian leaders. All proceeds from book sales will benefit the Archbishop Elpidophoros Camping Scholarships Fund which provides funds for needs-based camping scholarships for the children of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Copies of Maria the Pappas are available through the Orthodox Marketplace at https://orthodoxmarketplace.com/.
Maria the Pappas
The memoir traces Pappas’ journey from her childhood in the coal-mining communities of West Virginia to her role as a nationally recognized public servant and reform-minded government leader in Chicago. Along the way, she shares stories of family, hardship, Greek heritage, Orthodox Christian faith, psychology, law, and public service, revealing how each chapter of her life contributed to a lifelong commitment to helping others.
More than a political autobiography, Maria the Pappas is the story of a woman whose early experiences with poverty, illness, and family struggles instilled a profound sense of compassion and responsibility. Pappas reflects on how her Greek Orthodox faith, immigrant roots, and commitment to understanding people became guiding principles throughout her work in psychology, community advocacy, and government.
“Throughout my life, I have always believed that if someone needs help and I am able to help them, then I should,” said Pappas. “This book is about the experiences, people, and faith that taught me that service is not about power or position. It is about finding ways to make life better for others.” Pappas portrays public service not as a career choice, but as the natural continuation of lessons learned in childhood: listening to people, understanding their struggles, and working tirelessly to solve problems.
About Maria Pappas
Maria Pappas has served as Cook County Treasurer since 1998 and is the first woman elected to the office. Widely recognized for modernizing county government and championing taxpayer assistance programs, she has built a reputation for innovation, fiscal responsibility, and public service. A proud Greek American and devoted Orthodox Christian, Pappas continues to advocate for transparency, community engagement, and helping those in need.
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