Today, Governor JB Pritzker made the following personnel announcements in his administration:
Sol Flores will serve as Deputy Governor. Flores is the founding Executive Director of La Casa Norte, a non-profit organization established in 2002 that has served more than 30,000 youth and families confronting homelessness. Flores built La Casa Norte from two employees with a $200,000 annual budget to an 80-employee, multi-million-dollar organization that delivers inspiration, hope and critical services to the lives of homeless families, single parents, victims of domestic violence and abandoned youth. She has served on numerous working groups and commissions as a tireless advocate. Flores currently serves on the board of directors at the Latino Policy Forum, The Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund, Community Renewal Society, Hispanic Housing Development Corporation and Kuumba Lynx. Flores was raised by a single mother who came to Chicago from Puerto Rico and has been recognized as a national Champion of Change for her work by the Obama White House.
John Kim will serve as Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).* Kim has served in many senior roles during his distinguished 25 years at the department under five governors of both parties. He currently serves as chief legal counsel, where he supervises a legal staff of approximately 40 employees. Kim previously served as director, interim director, ethics officer, deputy general counsel, assistant counsel/special assistant attorney general, and project manager for an IEPA-China pollution prevention project. Kim left the IEPA for just over a year to serve as acting general counsel of the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 2008 and 2009. Before joining IEPA, Kim was an Assistant Attorney General of Illinois and was the general counsel to the Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association. He received his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and his Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Jim Bennett will serve as Director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).* Bennett served as the Midwest Regional Director at Lambda Legal, the nation’s largest legal organization dedicated to securing the full civil rights of the LGBTQ community and people with HIV. During his 12-year career there, Bennett was a lead strategist in Lambda Legal’s Illinois and Iowa marriage campaigns and successfully fought Indiana’s RFRA and their discriminatory ‘religious refusal’ laws. In 2013, he chaired Illinois Unites for Marriage, the statewide coalition that led the successful effort to win marriage equality in Illinois. Prior, Bennett served as acting senior external affairs director at Howard Brown Health, marketing and development director at the Shriver Center, and several roles at the American Red Cross’ national and central Illinois regional offices. He was inducted into the City of Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2013 and was the recipient of Equality Illinois’ Freedom award in 2018. He received his MBA from the University of Illinois at Springfield and his Bachelor of Science in marketing from Illinois State University.
Michael Kleinik will serve as Director of the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL).* Kleinik currently serves as executive director of the Medical Cannabis Alliance Of Illinois. He previously served as the executive director of the Chicago Laborers’ District Council’s Labor-Management Cooperation Committee from 2008 to 2018. Prior, Kleinik served as IDOL’s chief of staff and as manager of the department’s Conciliation and Mediation Division. He also previously worked for the Midwest Region Laborers’ District Council and was elected two terms as Fayette County Sheriff in 1990 and 1994. He began his career as a deputy sheriff in Bond County and then as a Vandalia police officer.
* Appointment pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
Previous appointments to the Pritzker administration include:
State agency directors:
John Sullivan, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA)
Janel L. Forde, director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS)
Erin Guthrie, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
Alicia Tate-Nadeau, director of the homeland security and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA)
Theresa Eagleson, director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)
Heidi Mueller, director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ)
David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR)
Alexis Sturm, director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB)
Matt Perez, Illinois Fire Marshal
Office of the Governor:
Anne Caprara, chief of staff
Dan Hynes, deputy governor
Christian Mitchell, deputy governor
Jesse Ruiz, deputy governor
Nikki Budzinski, senior adviser
Ann Spillane, general counsel
Emily Bittner, deputy chief of staff for communications
Jordan Abudayyeh, press secretary
Sean Rapelyea, deputy chief of staff for external affairs
Tiffany Newbern-Johnson, deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs
- Perrid - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 1:25 pm:
4 Deputy governors?… how many does he need? I have no idea what’s normal, historically, but this seems a little silly.
- Kitten - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 1:29 pm:
Sol is fantastic and the lack of women in the first round of DGs was an obvious oversight.
- The Real Captain - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 1:29 pm:
Still leary on the Deputy Governor front but willing to wait and see what they actually may produce. These are all strong directors for their different agencies. Still waiting on the bigger ones like IDOC and IDOT.
- Informed Mom - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 1:32 pm:
The appointment which will impact me the most is DHS. Bring it.
- JS Mill - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 1:42 pm:
Waiting to see what he will do with the ISBE. I can’t imagine that Tony Smith will be retained.
=4 Deputy governors?=
Fair question. Maybe this is what a properly staffed state looks like? I really don’t know, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
- Team America - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 1:42 pm:
John Kim is a perfect choice. Basically a non-political IEPA guy who is fair and has no axe to grind. Gets along with the Greenies and Industry alike. Hopefully there will be no push-back from the fire-breathing environmental BANANAs because he’s not a zealot. (BANANA - “Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone”)
- Kyle Hillman - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 1:45 pm:
Sol Flores is powerhouse who understands social services and (in my opinion) should be in Congress right now - so that is an impressive get.
And Jim Bennett is an absolutely solid pick for IDHR. He has been an advocate in this state for years and fully understands Springfield.
- next up - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 1:52 pm:
John Kim’s institutional memory will be useful as the IEPA tries to rebuild from its hollowing out.
- Moby - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:05 pm:
===Still waiting on the bigger ones like IDOC and IDOT.===
As well as Public Health and Veterans’ Affairs (Legionnaires’ fiasco). Kind of surprised these weren’t in the first group.
- Melido Perez - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:05 pm:
Sol is an incredibly talented individual who understands people and social services better than most.
I think she should be in Congress right now, but having her part of this administration is big win for Illinois.
- Soccermom - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:09 pm:
Sol is a force of nature. And I think the multiple deputy governors idea makes sense.
Previous administrations have used multiple deputy chiefs of staff focused on specific policy segments. I think it makes sense to have them report directly to the governor.
This is kind of a murderers’ row of talent. Impressive.
- flea - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:12 pm:
John Kim is the real deal! excellent pick……way to go JOHN
- Arsenal - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:27 pm:
==Previous administrations have used multiple deputy chiefs of staff focused on specific policy segments.==
Yeah, it seems like we’re just calling them DGs instead of something else- and by calling them DGs we can attract bigger names.
- Former IEPA - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:33 pm:
John Kim, really? Might want to check out why he’s not agency Ethics Officer anymore.
- Blue Dog Dem - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:35 pm:
Still hoping JCII gets the IDNR gig.
- NIU Grad - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:40 pm:
On the Deputy Governors front: For the last four years, directors of smaller agencies were reporting to 20-something Dunn Fellows. Having an experienced leader with a direct line to the Governor overseeing the agencies gives them more ability to accomplish their big-picture goals.
- Going nuclear - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:50 pm:
Appointing John Kim to lead IEPA is disappointing. Pritzker campaigned saying he would “end the Rauner era of neglect” at the state environmental agencies. Yet Kim has been a member of the last two management teams that hollowed out the regulatory programs and services at IEPA. This agency is desperately in need of new leadership that will work to right the ship and get the rebuilding progress underway.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:51 pm:
==This is kind of a murderers’ row of talent. ==
Phrase of the week.
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:53 pm:
Blue Dog Dem - who is JCII?
- Blue Dog Dem - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 2:58 pm:
Jerry Costello the 2nd.
- GreenWithEnvy - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 3:03 pm:
Jon Kim is a great choice to lead IEPA. Good to see the new administration chose a strong regulator instead of an activist.
- Montrose - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 3:27 pm:
I’ve been waiting to see when Sol’s name pops up on an appointment press release. She will be a great advocate for human services in the administration.
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 3:33 pm:
John Kim is an extremely disappointing choice!! IEPA is in desperate need of NEW leadership who are willing to think creatively and progressively about ways to meet environmental goals not more of the bottleneck attorney mentality. He needs a new management team who see their goal as compliance with existing regulations as the goal and are willing to work cooperatively with industry, environmental groups and use all tools in the toolbox to achieve those goals. Current Arrogance and disrespect for staff has ruined parts of the agency. If he doesn’t have the courage to make drastic management changes and empower staff, the agency will continue to decline. First disappoint from JB, I hope the Governor will demand change from Mr Kim
- Andrea Durbin - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 3:34 pm:
Sol Flores is top notch talent. She is a passionate and powerful advocate for those who have been left behind, and she understands community building and coalition building. A fantastic choice for the Governor’s team.
- Paseo - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 3:48 pm:
Sol Flores? Pritzker has my vote forever.
- DHS Watch - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 3:52 pm:
Am hearing that Dimas is being allowed to stay at DHS so that he can become vested somewhere around April. He was very unimpressive, so I’m not too happy if this is true
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 4:03 pm:
Jim Bennett is an excellent choice, truly a power house advocate who knows how to work with everyone and understands Springfield.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 4:09 pm:
I guess time’s not up just yet at EPA
- Honeybear - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 4:16 pm:
Wow thanks DHS watch- I hope you’re wrong about Dimas.
Dimas is a Raunerite through and through.
Please for the love of God purge him.
- Minnie Pearl Jam - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 4:16 pm:
Sol Flores is an outstanding choice.
During the Rauner government shutdown, she ran a large organization, managed a team and was responsible for a budget. She gets what social service providers have been through and where they are now.
- DuPage Bard - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 4:32 pm:
How many Deputy Governor’s does one administration need?
- Mama - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 5:01 pm:
I have not seen your post for the State Superintendent of Education or the Director for Higher Education. If I missed that notice, please post it again. Thank you.
- SAP - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 5:02 pm:
John Kim is a solid pick. Knows the Agency inside and out. Will serve the goal of actually protecting the environment while being reasonable at the same time.
- M - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 5:04 pm:
Sorry I do not know what Deputy Governors do. Please enlighten me. Thanks
- Anonchalant - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 5:40 pm:
Sol is ourstanding! A true voice for her community.
And Jim Bennett will do a terrific job. Also a great person.
- Alphablackmale - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 5:48 pm:
Where are the Black male appointments from this administration?
- Jwscott72 - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 5:49 pm:
To the question: strong picks with the exception of IEPA. I work there and, as others rightfully suggest, the Agency does need new blood in upper management. Nothing against Mr. Kim. He has always been courteous and professional with me in our very limited interactions, but the Agency would be better served by some new faces and a fresh outlook. If I could advise Governor Pritzker, I’d suggest a Deputy Director to learn the ropes from Mr. Kim (he does knows the Agency) for a while and then allow that Deputy to take over.
- MD - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 6:21 pm:
I know Mr. Kim to be an exceptional talent. He knows the agency both on subject matter and personnel. There is no learning curve, will hit the ground running on Day 1, can provide to the new administration the pluses and minuses of potential policies, and is just about the nicest person you could ever know. Good luck to you John!
- Diversity - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 6:23 pm:
I’m all for diversity in public service, but the first criteria is qualifications. So far, I see strong academic credentials and experience. National origin, gender and skin color is important, but how can you even determine this ahead of time?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 9:42 pm:
Blue Dog Dem - one would guess that if Jerry Costello 2 hasn’t been named yet, he’s not going to be. That one was so obvious if it was going to happen it probably already would have.
- Blue Dog Dem - Thursday, Jan 17, 19 @ 9:45 pm:
Anony. Your right. But the guy would be the perfect fit.
- Anon E. Mouse - Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 7:39 am:
I’m not sure that the choice for director of the IEPA is the best choice. I’m doubtful that he will change things for the better. The IEPA has been wrought and wracked with problems for a very long time. There is a lot of racism and discrimination and harassment against several people. Several people who have been causing these problems ought to be fired and terminated or forced into early retirement. It has been chock full of corruption and mismanagement. The choice for Director has been taking part in that for a while now. You may think you know, but you have no idea what goes on behind closed doors….
- IEPA LONGTIMER WORKER - Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 8:01 am:
John Kim IEPA REALLY.. The state legislators needs to go in survey the workers at IEPA and you will find the Willie Lynch story all over being played out in IEPA. Check out John Kim Ethics legal address..Good Old Boy Agency..John Kim is the spare head of corruption at IEPA..DON’T BE FOOLED…BY HIS Credentials..Management at IEPA each one has 4 title so no other employees can be Promote . MUSICAL CHAIRS AT ITS BEST..
- Deep Throat - Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 8:05 am:
I completely agree with what Anon wrote above yesterday at 3:33 PM. The IEPA needs a complete overhaul of people in management a.d HR. Treatment towards staff and employees has been deplorable, to say the least and to be polite. It has caused staff to lose motivation and feel discouraged from doing what they need to do and what they are being paid by the U.S. EPA to do, which is to protect the public from toxicity in the air, land, and water. Nobody wants to work in a toxic and hostile work environment. The public does not need another lawyer running the Agency, especially not one associated with people who have committed ethics violations and violations to the constitutional laws that govern this country and have since 1776. Some people are nice to your face, but will not hesitate nor think TWICE about slandering you or stabbing you in the back to save themselves. People have to watch out for these kinds of individuals. They may speak kindly but be carrying a concealed weapon that is laced with poison.
- StormsWx - Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 8:45 am:
Any words on IDMA / Adjutant General?
- Los Diablos - Friday, Jan 18, 19 @ 10:41 am:
IEPA LONGTIMER WORKER has it right. This individual could not agree more with them.
- In the know - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 12:18 pm:
Management at the IEPA is as toxic as they come. All they care about is saving money. HR and accountants run the show. They could care less about staff. All of their mission statements stress the needs of the regulated community. Do the Police mention they needs of who they enforce laws against? Kim is not an answer. Bad choice by Pritzker. Get the head of a major science based environmental group in as head.