* From a press release…
Governor-elect Bruce Rauner today announced that Mike Zolnierowicz will serve as his gubernatorial chief of staff.
“I’ve worked closely with Mike Zolnierowicz for more than a year and he has my complete trust and confidence,” Rauner said. “I know he shares my commitment to making our state the most compassionate and competitive in the nation. Mike will be a dedicated public servant whose only focus is on bringing back Illinois.”
“No one has a better understanding or greater love of Illinois than Mike Zolnierowicz,” U.S. Senator Mark Kirk said. “Mike is an outstanding choice who will serve the people well.”
Mike Zolnierowicz
Mike Zolnierowicz currently serves as director of the Bruce Rauner Transition Committee. He previously worked as deputy campaign manager for Citizens for Rauner, Inc., overseeing more than 500 paid employees and more than 10,000 volunteers. Prior to joining the Rauner campaign, Zolnierowicz served as deputy chief of staff for U.S. Senator Mark Kirk. As deputy chief of staff, Zolnierowicz managed the Senator’s Illinois operations, overseeing the Senator’s work with key stakeholders, including community leaders, the Congressional delegation, the state legislature and Constitutional officers. Zolnierowicz graduated from Downers Grove North High School and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude from Hope College.
One of the most solid guys I’ve ever met.
*** UPDATE *** I wouldn’t put too much stock in this Tribune story about Rauner’s potential advisers if I were you. Rauner’s team is most definitely leak averse, and this doesn’t look like a leak to me. Instead, it looks like a few folks promoting themselves. Probably not a great idea.
- Max's Mom - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:24 pm:
Wonderful choice Mike Z will be a great COS
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:25 pm:
Congratulations to Mike Z.
Great decision by both men
- Raising Kane - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:26 pm:
Great choice……well respected, tireless and a fierce advocate for his boss. Rauner is off to a good start!
- Gus - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:29 pm:
I find it quite peculiar that the guy who ran on a platform of finding the top state experts to run the state chooses a guy who has zero experience in Illinois government as Chief of Staff, especially as a Governor-elect with no experience in state government. Outsiders are nice, but somebody needs to know who to talk to about what.
- Andy Raucci - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:30 pm:
Mike will be very successful and Illinois is fortunate to have his firm hand on the tiller of State!
- so... - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:31 pm:
I’ve known Mike Z for years. One of the sharpest and most dedicated people with whom I have ever worked.
We have Z to thank for three of Illinois’ brightest Republican stars - Mark Kirk, Rodney Davis and now Bruce Rauner.
An excellent choice that will serve Rauner well.
- Wordslinger - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:32 pm:
I think “compassionate and competitive” is the new drinking game.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:35 pm:
Gus, there will be a learning curve, but Z already knows most of the players.
- Downstate GOP Faithless - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:41 pm:
If there was a “like” button I’d hit it.
- too obvious - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:47 pm:
Right out of the box Rauner is surrounding himself with retreads and hacks.
This is gonna be a hoot.
- Publius - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:48 pm:
Rauner’s apperance at Cafe Moxo was perfect. Touched at the bases. Spoke well and briefly. So far a very classy operation. And we haven’t seen that in a long time So far the people he has chosen are impressive.
- union leader - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:48 pm:
Good luck mike. Reach out to organized labor
- so... - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:54 pm:
==Right out of the box Rauner is surrounding himself with retreads and hacks.
This is gonna be a hoot.==
Calm down, Doug
- Mittuns - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 4:55 pm:
Should’ve chosen Dillard. I’ve heard he has some experience in that position…
- Sportsfans - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 5:00 pm:
Choose Dillard — hilarious, Mittuns.
- Chicago outsider - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 5:00 pm:
union leader-
Usually the losers do the reaching out.
- Original Rambler - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 5:05 pm:
Zalewski crossing the aisle!?!
- Kane County - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 5:07 pm:
Z is a great choice. Knows his stuff and has friends all over. Exactly what Rauner needs.
- Whatever - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 5:19 pm:
Gidwitz, promoting himself? Nah….
- proudstatetrooper - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 5:33 pm:
Standup guy. Friendly and even returns calls.
- Kirk Dillard - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 6:25 pm:
Mike Z. is a sound choice. He has–for good reason–the confidence of Governor Rauner. Mike has the intellect, respect by staff and the proper temprement to be an exceptional COS. He is a class act and gentleman. He listens and reaches out very well. And, as Rich pointed out he knows the major players, is home grown and my bottom line is he loves the State of Illinois!
- walker - Friday, Nov 7, 14 @ 10:49 pm:
Accept that he’s a smart and respected guy. With his background, it’s even more important now to get senior budget and operating staff who understand state matters. Please don’t underestimate how different this is from business and political challenges.
- Gator - Saturday, Nov 8, 14 @ 9:23 am:
I didn’t vote for Rauner but at least it appears his picks are waaayyyy more qualified than the people Quinn has had around him.
And in all seriousness, I have even more confidence in the incoming COS now that Kirk Dillard, a class act, vouched for him.