Richards to take over as Cullerton’s new chief
Tuesday, Jan 26, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton announced Tuesday that Kristin Richards will be his new chief of staff.
Richards, who had served as Cullerton’s Budget and Policy Director since he became Senate President in 2009, will assume the new duties beginning Feb. 1.
“There is no one in this operation whose insights I trust more than Kristin’s. She’s been invaluable to my office and to the Senate Democratic Caucus from day 1. She’ll provide the leadership we need going forward,” said Cullerton.
Richards, a Belleville native and graduate of Millikin University in Decatur, replaces Dave Gross, who announced his pending departure earlier this month.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead a dedicated group of professionals who work every day to address problems and improve the lives of the people of the great state of Illinois,” Richards said.
I can’t say enough good things about her. She’ll do well.
- Ghost - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 4:59 pm:
chief of staff has to be the most misunderstood, and underappreciated job the state has…. i wonder if Cullerton muttered sucker under his breath when she said yes….
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 5:09 pm:
Best of luck,
OW
- Rahm'sMiddleFinger - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 5:09 pm:
Congratulations to Kristin! She has the Senate President’s full confidence, is highly intelligent, and knows her way around the building. She’ll do a great job.
- Corporate Thug - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 5:12 pm:
Awesome hire by you, JJC. She’s excellent and will do a wonderful job. Don’t know too many people under the dome more knowledgeable than her. Congrats, Kristin!
- Thinking - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 5:15 pm:
She is superbly qualified. Excellent choice.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 5:21 pm:
Kirstin is a great choice. She will do well.
- Waffle Fries - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 5:46 pm:
Kristin is amazing. Great decision. I thoroughly enjoy working with her.
- TCB - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 6:39 pm:
Congrats, Kristin! Goodluck.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 8:14 pm:
I’ve known her since she was a Dunn fellow. She has always been focused on learning and improving. She is a solid person and a solid choice for this position.
- Ditto - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 8:37 pm:
Congrats to Kristin! She will be great.
- buffalo soldier - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 8:51 pm:
Kristin is sharp, experienced, and she gives a damn. She’s the logical choice; I’ll be rooting for her!
- Michelle Flaherty - Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 9:36 pm:
She put up with Kotowski for years on approp committees. This should be a cake walk.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Jan 27, 16 @ 8:16 am:
Good!
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Wednesday, Jan 27, 16 @ 8:48 am:
Great to have you there Kristin!
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Jan 27, 16 @ 8:58 am:
I’ve only interacted with her a couple of times but congrats to her and good on President Cullerton for hiring within while we’ve got the impasse.
- nonn - Wednesday, Jan 27, 16 @ 9:18 am:
Kristin is a great choice. Collective sigh of relief heard round the Capitol! She is exactly the type of level-headed person needed in these times.
- anon - Wednesday, Jan 27, 16 @ 3:37 pm:
Greatest news I’ve seen come out of the Senate Dems in a long time!