* 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.