* Assistant DCEO Director Andria Winters and I didn’t hit it off too well. The first time we ever talked we wound up in a loud and extended state policy argument and didn’t speak much to each other for weeks afterward. We’ve long since patched things up, however, and I always get a kick out of hanging with her and her husband Aaron. Those two are something, man.

Winters leaves DCEO today to become Intersect Illinois’ new president. Intersect Illinois is described as: “A private organization working collaboratively with the Department of Commerce to increase our competitiveness for jobs and investment.” It’s the privatized DCEO, basically.

Andria was the policy director for Motorola Mobility and was also director of strategic initiatives for the company’s foundation. She worked for US Sen. Mark Kirk in a high-level job and currently serves on the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s board of directors. We still don’t always agree, but she’s a darned good person.

From a press release…

“Intersect needs leaders who understand the best that Chicago and Illinois offer. Andria brings a wealth of knowledge of key regional growth sectors as well as how to break down bureaucratic barriers for business,” added Ted Souder, Head of Industry, retail for Google. “She is a great addition to the team and will be an important conduit for businesses and economic development organizations.”

* So, let’s send Andria off with her favorite song…