Cook County Chief Medical Examiner Appointed Vice President of National Association of Medical Examiners

Cook County’s Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ponni Arunkumar has been appointed as vice president of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) for 2026. 

The appointment is a recognition of Dr. Arunkumar’s leadership at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO). Dr. Arunkumar oversaw MEO operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She has played an instrumental role in implementing new policies and procedures and shaping the culture of the office while upgrading operations and technology.  

“Dr. Arunkumar has effectively led the Medical Examiner’s Office through immense challenges and unprecedented caseloads since 2016,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “I am confident her knowledge and experience will be critical assets as she takes on this leadership role at the National Association of Medical Examiners, helping to ensure continued excellence in this demanding field.” 

Dr. Arunkumar previously served on the board of directors of NAME, the national professional organization of medical examiners, medicolegal death investigators and death investigation system administrators. The Office holds full accreditation from NAME as well as ISO 17025 for forensic testing and laboratory calibration and ISO 17020 for bodies of forensic inspection. 

Under her stewardship, the MEO has been recognized for multiple programs and initiatives by the National Association of Counties and by Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. 

The Office hosts Missing Persons Day annually to help individuals searching for their missing loved ones. The MEO works in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago to ensure all decedents under the Office’s care receive a dignified burial. The Office partners with public health agencies, law enforcement and other stakeholders, sharing critical data to help prevent avoidable deaths.  

Dr. Arunkumar’s tenure with the MEO began in 2003, when she was hired as a fellow pathologist. She rose within the ranks of the Office, from assistant medical examiner to her appointment as deputy chief medical examiner in 2012 and finally chief medical examiner in 2016. She is board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and in forensic pathology.