Ruiz to step down
Monday, Aug 23, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Greg Hinz reports on Deputy Gov. Jesse Ruiz’s decision to step down after more than 2.5 years overseeing education agencies…
Ruiz, 56, was not immediately available for comment. But the Chicago lawyer is believed headed back into private practice. An affable and generally well liked official, Pritzker noted that he’d frequently show up at the office with a smile on his face and a box of doughnuts from his favorite bakery in his hands.
Earlier another deputy governor left the administration, Dan Hynes, who has supervised financial, economic development and other fields. The governor’s top campaign aide, Quentin Fulks, left to run U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s re-election campaign in Georgia.
Pritzker insiders have suggested there’s no pattern to the departures beyond the obvious fact that in the administration’s third year, some turnover is to be expected.
Ruiz was also the focus of a particularly intense personal attack organized by some sports parents and “advocates” last year. Also, I believe Dan Hynes is still in the administration. I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago.
- Chito - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 12:25 pm:
Good luck and thank you for your service, Jesse.
- Sayitaintso - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 12:36 pm:
“…show up at work with a smile and box of doughnuts….”. He got that from “Dexter”
- Barstool in Hamel - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 12:37 pm:
Great guy
Great Attorney
Jesse will do well whatever he does
Thanks for your service
- Loop Lady - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 12:44 pm:
Thanks for your service…
- Our Joe - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 12:48 pm:
Very capable job in a difficult role accomplished by an outstanding individual.
- Matt - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 12:52 pm:
Seriously, if you don’t like or get along with Jessie Ruiz, you won’t get along with anyone. Best of luck to him!
- Thomas Paine - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:02 pm:
Hynes’ departure was announced in June, to be replaced by Manar.
People leaving to cash out near end of first term is normal, I won’t be shocked if both pop up in cannabis industry. Both could also run for Mayor.
- Dan Johnson - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:07 pm:
Jesse is as nice as they come.
- low level - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:21 pm:
If you can’t get along or work with Jesse Ruiz, you can’t work with anyone. Best of luck to him.
- Give Me A Break - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:23 pm:
Stand by for the GOP presser stating, the Governor’s staff are fleeing in droves they know the ship is sinking”.
- Chicago Cynic - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:35 pm:
“People leaving to cash out near end of first term is normal, I won’t be shocked if both pop up in cannabis industry.”
Both Jesse and Dan took pay cuts to work in government so pretty sure that’s not it.
Jesse is a true class act and a great public servant. He will be missed.
- phocion - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:39 pm:
Odd how the well liked and well respected Dep. Govs are leaving…but not the one who is not liked or respected by anyone.
- Give Me A Break - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:42 pm:
“Bailey’s armada”? LOL Two john boats and a canoe.
- Amalia - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:47 pm:
sports parents, why are they often so awful?
- H-W - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:48 pm:
Ruiz has been a good leader. He made himself accessible directly to people with educational concerns. I know this personally, as an educator.
He will be missed.
- walker - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:51 pm:
Ruiz and Hynes both a pleasure to work with. No ego in the way, no hidden agendas.
- From the 'Dale to HP - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 1:53 pm:
CPS needs a CEO…
- Regular democrat - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 2:01 pm:
Maybe elected office ?
- JS Mill - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 2:04 pm:
=“Bailey’s armada”? LOL Two john boats and a canoe.=
A leaky canoe.
- Barstool in Hamel - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 2:08 pm:
-“CPS needs a CEO…”
Jesse was CEO of CPS once already
- Pizza Man - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 3:25 pm:
Speaking off dep. guvs’ jumping ship, don’t forget the deputy gov who ‘oversaw’ then-Director Chapa La Via’s VA Dept.
Is she out (yet)?
https://illinoisnewsroom.org/top-pritzker-staffer-says-ill-va-concealed-inner-workings-before-covid-killed-36-at-vets-home/
- Lincoln Lad - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 3:33 pm:
Are the better Dep Govs leaving because those not doing the job continue to stay?
- Amomonous - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 5:05 pm:
Jesse is a real class act and just one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Wishing him only good things for his future
- DuPage Dem - Monday, Aug 23, 21 @ 5:25 pm:
Some of the attacks on other Deputy Govs in these comments are disingenuous at best and revealing at worst. Maybe check yourself before hitting “say it.”
To the post, Jesse is wonderful and I imagine will be sorely missed. Can’t wait to see where he is headed next. Best wishes, Jesse!