* Press release…

Governor JB Pritzker today announced that First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education Martin V. Torres will serve the administration as the Deputy Governor for Education. Torres brings significant experience in the work to improve Illinois’ education system, with a strong focus on uplifting the state’s Latinx community.

“Martin is a dedicated public servant and trusted advisor whose passion for achieving a quality education for all of our children will continue to be an asset to this administration,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From fighting for education equity at the Latino Policy Forum, to executing our P-20 education agenda and helping bring students safely back to our classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin has done so much to improve the lives of Illinois’ families. I value his insights and look forward to our continued work to ensure a full pandemic recovery and quality education for all of our students.”

“The Governor and I are focused on making Illinois the best state in the nation to raise children. Illinois students, now more than ever, need additional support to achieve their potential and pursue their dreams,” said Deputy Governor Martin V. Torres. “This administration is committed to changing the trajectory of students’ lives by expanding access to early care and education, bolstering the state’s investment in the k-12 funding, making college more affordable, and expanding pathways to emerging industries.”

Torres served as Deputy Policy Director of Pritzker’s first campaign for Governor, and later in the administration as a Senior Policy Advisor and then the First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education. He has played a critical role in coordinating the administration’s COVID-19 response in classrooms and communities across Illinois. In particular, he oversaw the execution of the Governor’s p-20 agenda, working to revitalize learning and teaching for students and educators through a holistic and practical approach. Previously, Torres spent eight years at the Latino Policy Forum, where he served as Associate Director and managed the organization’s state policy agenda. During his leadership at the Forum, he negotiated a significant increase in funding for bilingual education during the transition to an evidence-based funding model for K-12 schools, he served as an appointed member of the Illinois Early Learning Council, and he partnered with lawmakers to pass legislation that increased transparency surrounding the demographic composition of state boards and commissions.

Torres succeeds Deputy Governor Jesse Ruiz, who announced his departure from the public sector on August 25, 2021.

* Meanwhile…

Today, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced the appointment of Christine Haley as State Homelessness Chief. In this role, which was created by EO 2021-21 (Executive Order To Fight Homelessness in Illinois) issued on Sept. 3 by Governor Pritzker, Haley will lead the State’s comprehensive effort to decrease homelessness in Illinois, improve outcomes for people who experience homelessness and strengthen the safety nets that contribute to housing stability. Christine will chair the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and co-chair the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, as part of her work.

“Housing is about justice. It’s about every Illinois resident having the right to feel safe and settled in a space they can call home,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Our administration is putting policies and resources to work in a comprehensive effort to decrease homelessness in Illinois. Congratulations to Christine Haley. We are excited to have her join us in this new role as we all continue this important work.”

“I am elated to have Christine join IDHS as State Homelessness Chief– her experience and knowledge will make a difference in the lives of thousands of Illinois residents who are experiencing homelessness,” said Grace B. Hou, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services. “Her commitment to equity, and her substantial work on major housing projects, procurements, grant management, and program evaluation make her the perfect leader for this role.”

Haley will also serve as a policymaker and spokesperson on homelessness prevention, coordinating a multi-agency effort and communicating with community-based stakeholders and elected officials on critical housing issues.

“We have an incredible opportunity to fight homelessness through the collective efforts of persons experiencing homelessness, community providers, and coordinated government departments,” said Christine Haley, State Homelessness Chief. “I am thankful for Governor Pritzker and his administration for taking the bold steps to create the Interagency Task Force and Community Advisory Council. I look forward to creating a visionary plan with the community to prevent and end homelessness for Illinois residents.”

Haley brings more than 18-years of experience in the housing field, including extensive work in programs designed to prevent homelessness and create housing stability. Prior to joining IDHS, she was the Director of Housing at Cook County Health (CCH), leading programmatic and financial investments in housing for patients experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

She worked across the CCH public health and hospital system, coordinating and supporting housing and health integration activities with Departments including Policy & Government Affairs, Emergency Medicine, Trauma & Burn, Family Medicine, Maternal & Child Health, Behavioral Health, the Cook County Jail, and the Cook County Department of Public Health. Haley served on the Chicago Homeless Continuum of Care Board of Directors and the suburban Alliance to End Homelessness Board of Directors.

Haley previously served as Senior Director of Programs at Housing Opportunities for Women from 2018-2019. She was responsible for client-centered programs, including planning, organizing, staffing, evaluating, and monitoring at the community-based homeless services agency.

From 2016-2018, she was the Founding Executive Director for the Chicago Torture Justice Center and provided strategic guidance and advanced the organization’s vision to provide mental health and community services to survivors of police violence. Other past positions include serving as Associate Director for the Corporation for Supportive Housing and serving as Associate Director for Heartland Human Care Services, where she had oversight of the Supportive Housing Department.