* The 2025 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Legislative Liaison goes to Allison Nickrent at IDPH…
She has been through a ton of big issues over the years at the Department and always keeps a level head and collaborative attitude. She works extremely well with everyone under the Dome - legislators, lobbyists, advocacy groups, other agency staff - and always with a positive approach. She has a gift for seeing all sides of an issue and bringing people together, focusing on outcomes and getting the job done while never seeking an ounce of credit.
* The 2025 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist is a tie. Khadine Bennet…
Generally, but especially her work on the medical aid in dying bill. She worked on that bill non-stop and didn’t give up until the very end, and by the very end, I mean until it was voted on. She did the lobbying work, testified in committee and drafted and negotiated a controversial bill. She’s always respectful, polite, a hard worker, always strategic and never gives up-things you want in an effective lobbyist.
And Kady McFadden…
She was grand central station for the big energy bill and the complex stakeholders involved. There was everything you could see in Springfield (whipping votes, coordinating w/ leadership and Gov team, dinners and drinks) and then there was everything you couldn’t (immeasurable time on zoom calls w/ enviros coordinating, 100s of hours meeting w/ labor and industry). Honest broker and unbelievably effective negotiator. She’s a force to be reckoned with and fortunately that force is for good.
Honorable mention to the good folks at the Shriver Center.
Congratulations!!!
* On to today’s categories…
Anne Caprara and Kristin Richards won last year, so they’re not eligible this year.
Please remember to explain your nominations or they won’t count. Also, do your utmost to nominate in both categories. Thanks!
* And after you’ve finished nominating your favorites, please click here and help us raise money to buy Christmas presents for foster kids. I’d really like to get to $50,000, but we’re running out of time. Thanks so much.
- a horse of course - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 9:54 am:
Teresa Ramos is leading a herculean effort to transform early childhood. She and her small but mighty team are trying to change how government serves its constituents. She leads with empathy and humor, but her commitment to the issue is anything but laughable.
- Adams St Stan - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 9:54 am:
Best Statewide Staffer: Amanda Elliot.
An intelligent, decisive, and diligent doer. Getting things done is everything, and Amanda does just that.
Best Agency Director: Jerry Costello.
He understands the assignment. From completing department goals to messaging, Director Costello knows what his role is and does it extremely well.
- a horse of course - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 9:55 am:
best staffer- Isabella Hurtado has done a tremendous job quarterbacking much of the state’s response to ICE.
- Lurker - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 10:16 am:
I’m sorry I cannot comment on staffer but for Director I’d like to suggest Heidi Mueller. She has taken over a very troubled Agency and is working hard to stabilize it. I have not worked with her personally, but I work with several employees from her Agency and their improvement and trust in the Agency is so different from a few years ago. I asked them why and they give a lot of credit to their Director for purpose and direction.
- Downstater - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 10:18 am:
Best Statewide Staffer: Amanda Elliott
Assuming Andy Manar has already won this in the past, Amanda has become invaluable for Andy’s growing portfolio. She’s responsive and quick to get an answer, even if a quick “no.”
Best Agency Lead: Jerry Costello II
Jerry Costello has had a crazy year beginning, along with other directors, navigating the uncertainty of federal programs and the loss of federal dollars. During the last several months, he’s been the leading spokesperson on the ag economy and tariff impacts for the administration which has allowed the Governor and others to address the ICE-led drama happening in the Chicago region.
Costello’s ability to articulate plainly the real damage being done to farming households has been tremendously impactful.
All this while continuing to break records at our two state fairs!
- Suburbanite - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 10:20 am:
Best staffer - Nathalina Hudson is IL AG Raoul’s Chief of Staff and just ended her tenure! Nathalina is whispmart, engaged, and dedicated to public service. She will be missed.
- ArchPundit - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 10:20 am:
Kady was recently on the Volts podcast with David Robertson. I mentioned it then, but it really was a good discussion of how to pass a good energy bill.
https://www.volts.wtf/p/how-illinois-passed-its-third-big
- GreenTea4Me - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 10:20 am:
Director: Jerry Costello at Agriculture is an outstanding leader. He’s knowledgeable, passionate, and most importantly, he builds bipartisan relationships. He’s developed a fantastic team and empowers them to act in the best interests of Illinois farmers. He acts with integrity and communicates directly. No phony political posturing from him - what you see is what you get.
Staffer: Victoria Villalpando in Gov Comms. She works hard to keep all state agency PIOs informed and connected. No idea how she juggles it all, but she does it with a smile! Regardless of her busy schedule, she’s always wiling to listen and offer advice. She’s a definite asset and mentor to many.
- Leslie Knope - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 10:35 am:
Best statewide staffer: Ann Spillane has been a steadfast presence in the Governor’s office and continues to play an important role in the current federal environment. The legal team is rarely front and center, but the work they do is tremendously important to support all facets of the Administration’s work.
State agency director: It’s hard to imagine a harder working agency head than Secretary Teresa Ramos of the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Secretary Ramos works more hours than there are in a day. Prior to joining the agency, she was a monumental force in fixing the school funding formula, and now she’s bringing that same energy to centralizing early childhood services at this critical moment when support is needed for young children and parents. She has been instrumental in partnering across agencies to support families and providers through discovery, listening sessions and as they face challenges from ICE activity. I have no doubt she will continue to find ways to break down silos to better serve all Illinoisans and make Illinois the best state in the country to raise a family with young children.
- UrbanSuburban - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 12:07 pm:
Piggybacking on Nathalina Hudson at the AG’s Office. Through her 5+ year tenure at the office she has advocated for her employees, helped increase tenure and cut down staff turnover rates. She remained a rock for many of the top lawyers in that office as they have (and do) spent many all-nighters, weekends, and holidays working to defend the state. She also helped to right the AG’s office after the cybersecurity issue that they had.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 12:07 pm:
Please try harder to nominate in both categories. Thanks much.
- UrbanSuburban - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 12:09 pm:
Adding for state agency director: Jane Flanagan at IDOL. She’s a hands on director who truly understand the subject matter at hand and works to find solutions instead of just saying no.
- Original Rambler - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 1:18 pm:
Director: Second Teresa Ramos at IDEC. Managing the creation of a new agency to oversee a pet project of the GO is no easy task and so far it has been pretty smooth sailing.
Staffer: How about Sarah Kerley at CMS? She’s very knowledgeable about the State personnel system and utilizes unique techniques in line with her outgoing personality to manage all State agencies that have a wide variety of needs and wants. (Apologies for the run on sentence.)
- Taking Notes - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 1:45 pm:
Best agency director: Sameer Vohra at IDPH doesn’t seek the spotlight, but is clearly passionate about improving and strengthening public health. He is leading the state through tumultuous times with attacks from the federal government on public health. Illinois is leading the nation in public health in several ways because of his thoughtful leadership.
Best statewide staffer: Amanda Elliott was often nominated for best legislative liaison for a reason, and has brought her talents to the Governor’s Office. She is well respected and they are lucky to have her.
- NotTelling24 - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 1:47 pm:
Best Statewide Staffer following the lead with Amanda Elliot- Her years of experience show in her expertise and confidence while being extremely easy to work with.
Brandon Ragle, Secretary of DoIT, exemplifies what modern state leadership should look like. He brings genuine camaraderie, approachability, and humor to his role. His vision and leadership are setting the standard for innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking government.
- labor diva - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 3:06 pm:
IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. Throughout her tenure, she has skillfully navigated a complex and
evolving landscape for workers, from modernizing child labor laws to extending protections for
independent workers in the gig economy. She leads a dedicated team that consistently addresses the challenges workers face in today’s economy.
She is committed to ensuring workers have safe
environments and are properly compensated under Illinois law. Simultaneously, she educates
employers and enforces state laws using the Department’s resources. This is particularly
challenging given the vulnerabilities of many workers, yet her understanding of the landscape
enables her to effectively reach those most in need. Above all, Director Flanagan prioritizes the well-being of her employees. She ensures positions
are filled, staff are trained, and addresses complex legal questions in a rapidly changing
environment. She thoughtfully implements new ideas to enhance compliance and departmental
efficiency, as demonstrated by pilot programs like the mediation program. This initiative allows
workers and employers to resolve claims collaboratively, fostering resolutions rather than
increasing caseloads and bureaucracy.
It is important to note her previous experiences as the Governor’s General Deputy Counsel and
Chief Compliance Officer and founder of the Workplace Rights Bureau in the Office of the
Attorney General. The office has been on the front lines in fighting for worker protections and
garnered national attention on labor trafficking in the restaurant industry. She has a unique and
true perspective on what it means to fight for worker justice.
Director Flanagan embodies the values of the Department of Labor: justice, empathy, teamwork,
knowledge, and adaptability. Illinois workers are fortunate to have her advocating on their
behalf.
- Wally's Love - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 3:08 pm:
Best statwide staffer is Marty McCormack with the Treasurer’s Office. Marty brings a wealth of knowledge to his roll, after years with the House. He is humble and doesn’t seek the limelight but always holds public service close to his heart. That’s something to admire.
Best Statewide Director is Brendan Kelly. As the head of ISP, they have a daunting task ahead of them, but Director Kelly is always working for the best interests and safety of the people.
- little ole me - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 3:12 pm:
Agency Director: Raven DeVaughn at CMS. No one is a harder worker or better at sorting out the quagmire of government bureaucracy to make all the non-sexy parts of government work better than anyone has tried to accomplish before - personnel, property, benefits. Unleash her on procurement and…wowza!
Statewide Staffer - Amanda Elliott gets things done. She knows what levers to pull and who to call to optimize State resources to make the largest and most diverse Dep Gov portfolio work. If that portfolio did not work as well as it does with Amanda’s support, every other part of government and every Illinoisan would feel it IMMEDIATELY.
- StateGov4Life - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 4:24 pm:
Best statewide staffer: Hands down goes to Joe McGee on the Governor’s legislative team. Joe brings federal, state and local experience to his role as a legislative advisor. His kep policy areas are some of the most difficult policy areas to navigate including public safety and education. Joe also works directly with the Legislative Black Caucus which is one of the largest in the Illinois General Assembly. Joe has been able to deliver legislative wins for the Governor through his constant communication and tireless efforts.
State Agency Director: Goes to Mario Treto at IDFPR. IDFPR is a behemoth of an agency covering the most diverse range of subject matters. Mario stepped into the role after former Secretary Deborah Hagan retired. He has brought his own approach and carried the level of professionalism over that Deborah established. He has worked tirelessly to roll out a new technology to improve the licensing process which has been one of the smoothest roll outs of new technology in state government. License times have begun to dramtically improve. He has also heightened the Department nationallly through his involvement with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, various rela estate trade associations, and state regulatory groups. Mario is a young and rising star.
- Jojo - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 4:57 pm:
Agency Director: echoing support for Director Mueller - as others have said, stepped into one of the toughest roles in state government and is diligently working to make change in all the ways that matter. She is also very responsive to external partners which is great.
Statewide Staffer: Echoing support for Amanda Elliot. I don’t get to work with her as much in her new role, but over the years, she has continued to distinguish herself and her ability to get things done.
- notBeyonce - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 5:13 pm:
Best State Agency Director: Teresa Ramos, Secretary for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. If you have a chance to meet with her know that you can expect knowledge, passion, laughter and kindness with a side of candy in everything she brings. Secretary Ramos has been tasked with a unique job – to bring early childhood services and staff under one roof and to reimagine the way we serve young children in Illinois. This work can not be done with her heart and leadership.
- The Opinions Bureau - Wednesday, Dec 17, 25 @ 9:54 pm:
Agency Director: Heidi Mueller. Perhaps the hardest job in state government and she does it with compassion, grace, and smarts. She’s still Bruce Rauner’s best hire.
Statewide staffer: Amanda Elliott. A wealth of knowledge and experience who is always more than generous with her time.
- Sazon - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 9:16 am:
Best State Agency Director: Teresa Ramos, the inaugural Secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Tasked with the monumental challenge of building an entire agency from the ground up, Secretary Ramos handles the pressure and complexity of the role with remarkable grace and an amazing sense of humor.