By Hannah Meisel

* Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs director Erica Jeffries tendered her resignation April 27. The governor’s office announced Elizabeth Pennix as her successor…

Gov. Bruce Rauner announced today Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) Director Erica Jeffries will be leaving IDVA after leading the agency for more than three years. Jeffries is returning to the private sector where she will serve as an executive in a large multinational, Fortune 100 company. Elisabeth Pennix, the current General Counsel at IDVA and Navy veteran will serve as the interim director of the agency until a permanent director is announced.

“Director Jeffries has done remarkable work for the veterans of Illinois during her tenure as director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” Rauner said. “She has been a steadfast leader in providing the crucial services our heroes need and deserve. We are deeply grateful for her service, and are confident Elisabeth Pennix will lead the department and serve Illinois’ veterans tremendously until a permanent director is selected.” […]

Before serving as General Counsel at IDVA, Pennix served as Senior Program Manager for the Women Veterans Program, Gold Star Family Program, and Illinois Joining Forces.

During her military service, Pennix served seven years on active duty as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the U.S. Navy, and also deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007 where she conducted Geneva Convention legal reviews for Iraqi detainees. Pennix continues to serve part-time as a commander in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps Reserves.

“I’m honored to continue the work of Director Jeffries and the entire IDVA as we continue to strive to provide the best possible care for Illinois’ veterans today and in the future,” Pennix said.

Pennix is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and the Chicago-Kent College of Law. She lives in Chicago with her husband, a retired U.S. Army officer and active duty Chicago Police Sergeant, and their children.

* And it looks like IDVA’s Assistant Director is also out…