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New appointments announced

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* Gov. Bruce Rauner has named Ngozi Okorafor as the acting director of CMS. Okorafor, a Nigerian-American woman, has worked at CMS for quite some time and is an accomplished attorney who won a “40 under 40″ award from Crain’s a few years back.

This should be a pretty easy confirmation process. Senate President John Cullerton has been a past supporter. “She’s a perfect bridge builder” between Rauner and the Democratic leadership, said one ally today. She also has a reputation in government as very tough-minded. This isn’t some GOP window dressing move.

* Also…

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees is expected to choose a new chairman Thursday for the first time in six years, though two of its seats could be empty.

Edward McMillan, a Republican who was reappointed to another term over the weekend by Gov. Bruce Rauner, will likely be named chairman Thursday when the board holds its annual election of officers in Chicago, according to current Chairman Chris Kennedy.

Kennedy, who will not be in attendance, told The News-Gazette he’d spoken with other trustees and “it seems like there’s unanimous support for Ed’s leadership.”

* Meanwhile, Treasurer Mike Frerichs announced his top staffers today…

Jay Rowell, Deputy Treasurer
Jay Rowell previously served as director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). In that role, he oversaw nearly 1,900 employees and nearly $8 billion in unemployment insurance payments. His efforts identified and reduced improper payments by nearly a half billion dollars as he lead the transition of IDES to an employment-focused agency. Rowell’s experience also includes the political director for the Illinois Senate Democrats and other positions with the State of Illinois and City of Chicago. Rowell graduated cum laude from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Justin Cajindos, Chief of Staff
Justin Cajindos formerly served as deputy chief of staff in the Office of the Governor, overseeing eight state agencies with a total of 4,000 employees. In this role, Cajindos was a policy advisor for environment, energy and agriculture. His prior experience in federal and state government includes positions as an aide to U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin and as chief of staff to state Senator Michael W. Frerichs. Cajindos is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Catherine Shannon, Director of Legislative Affairs
Catherine Shannon previously served as deputy director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. She managed a state agency responsible for 56 state historic sites, 180 employees and an annual operating budget of $24 million. Shannon is a former director of the Illinois Department of Labor. She also served as the legislative director for Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Illinois AFL-CIO. Shannon began her legislative work more than 25 years ago on the research/appropriations staff for the Illinois House of Representatives, Office of the Speaker. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Rodrigo Garcia, Chief Investment Officer
Garcia previously served as acting director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). In that role, he oversaw nearly 1,400 employes and a $150 million budget. His efforts led to: the design of the $70.5 million Chicago Veterans Home; implementation of results-based budgeting systems; and transformation of IDVA’s aging technology and operational infrastructure that, in aggregate, resulted in tens of millions in new revenue and cost efficiencies. Garcia also worked in bank supervision and regulation at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and in global wealth management at Morgan Stanley & Co. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps with three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He graduated summa cum laude with graduate degrees with a focus on public policy and finance from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He recently completed Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Keith Horton, General Counsel
Keith Horton previously was deputy general counsel for the Office of the Governor. In that role, he managed or served as the liaison to the chief legal counsels of more than 20 state agencies, boards and commissions, including the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Finance Authority. Horton previously served as deputy general counsel of the Capital Development Board and worked in private practice for two large law firms in Chicago. Horton graduated from Yale University with a degree in economics. He earned his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of the Elder Law Journal.

Paris Ervin, Director of Communications
Paris Ervin previously was the bureau chief of communications at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). She served as the spokeswoman, led a team of community relations managers and guided multimillion-dollar media contracts promoting traffic safety. Ervin is a former WICS-TV reporter who graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield with a Bachelor of Arts in communications. She graduates this May with a master’s degree in public administration.

Julian Federle, Chief of Policy and Programs
Julian Federle previously was a deputy director at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). At IDES, Federle managed the day-to-day operations of the agency’s re-employment programs as well as the administration of unemployment insurance benefits. Federle reshaped the agency’s service delivery model, saving the state money, while expanding services and decreasing fraud. He attended Columbia University in Chicago.

Zach Koutsky, Senior Advisor to the Treasurer
Zach Koutsky was Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs’ campaign manager and deputy director to the treasurer’s Transition Committee. Koutsky previously served as the chief of staff for Frerichs’ state senate office and has worked for non-profits and political campaigns in nine states. Koutsky earned a master’s degree in urban planning and policy with a concentration in economic development from the University of Illinois Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University.

Charise Williams, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civic Engagement
Charise Williams previously served as director of community relations for Oak Street Health. She oversaw the outreach and implementation of four community-based, senior care clinics. Under Williams’ leadership, the outreach team acquired hundreds of new patients, which grossed more than $1.2 million in six months. She earned her master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy.

Dave Clarkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of Public Affairs
Dave Clarkin has nearly 20 years of public affairs experience in communications, marketing, legislative policy and community outreach. Clarkin served as deputy director of communications and senior policy advisor for the Department of Children and Family Services, leading all communications and helping develop the agency’s strategic performance plan. Clarkin began his career in state government with the Illinois House of Representatives where he shaped technology policy and appropriations for health care and human services totaling more than $7 billion annually. An Edwardsville native, Clarkin earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Sarah Ryan – Director of Scheduling & Special Events
Sarah Ryan spent five years as the Office Manager and later Operations Director for U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin. She graduated from DePaul University.

Discuss.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:38 pm

Comments

Glad to see Clarkin on board.

Very good move.

Now, someone in Frerich’s Crew needs to lock down some social media.

Seriously.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:42 pm
Sadly, 2/3 of these positions are unnecessary.

Comment by Nick Naylor Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:42 pm
Rodrigo lands!

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:45 pm
New GC former “editor-in-chief of the Elder Law Journal.”

Sometimes the jokes write themselves.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:48 pm
===He attended Columbia University in Chicago.===

I’m pretty sure that’s in New York City, not Chicago.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:50 pm
Congrats to Jay, great guy (and a new dad too)!
Did a great job at IDES.

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:52 pm
I’m pretty sure McMillan wasn’t “reappointed to another term over the weekend by Gov. Bruce Rauner.”

Where’s the CNG outsourcing its copy editing these days? Chuck E Cheese?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:53 pm
There is a Columbia University in Chicago.

Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:56 pm
Lots of directorships left to go. Surprised there are not more appointments today.

Comment by Cassiopeia Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:56 pm
Catherine Shannon is great for the Frerichs team….she really knows her stuff.

Comment by The anti-Trib Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 12:59 pm
i guess that means the dog will be muzzled…

Comment by bored now Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:00 pm
It’s Columbia College, not University. www.colum.edu

Comment by Quill Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:03 pm
Some good appointments there. Wondering though why there is no DCEO director yet. Must be having a hard time finding someone to take that job.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:03 pm
Columbia College is in Chicago. Columbia University is in New York.

Comment by Snucka Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:04 pm
Nice to see all the Quinn boys got jobs.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:10 pm
First off, congrats to Jay on his new gig & the whole baby thing. He’s awesome and freaking brilliant. Now, only because someone has to ask, when do we all get our hands on the report Rutherford withheld that MF promised to release?

Comment by Downstate GOP Faithless Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:15 pm
What about Director of Unclaimed Property?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:16 pm
Is this the same Ngozi Okorafor that the Executive Ethics Commission suspended for 10 days for ethics violations?

Comment by Anon Too Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:17 pm
Great to see the appointments of Clarkin and Rowell.

That’s a high quality team.

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:26 pm
Jay Rowell is a first-class human being, and a brilliant mind. He will make sure the trains run on time in this office because he knows the legislature and cares about policy.

It is, however, fair game to question whether these staff announcements may be sending the wrong message - at least 5/11 have strong campaign backgrounds. One of the main criticisms of Treas. Rutherford was that he focused too much on moving up the ladder while in office. Now, facing similar criticism, though mostly from Republicans, Treas. Frerichs is going to have to try awfully hard to avoid being painted in the same light. Still way too early to tell, but he will be under a lot of scrutiny every time he disagrees (or agrees) with Gov. Rauner. Then again, maybe the majority of the media will just ignore the Treasurer’s office and he’ll be free to do what he wants…

Comment by Pen Name Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:28 pm
The Sun Times is reporting that Gov. Bruce Rauner will make Rep. Wayne Rosenthal (R-Litchfield) the head of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, multiple sources said.

They say (Dale Bowman), “That breaks campaign promises to have a professional head the agency.”

Comment by LINK Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:39 pm
I wonder if Cross appointment is in jeopardy over Andy Shaws hit peice on him and Rutherfords pension pay out? For sure it came at the worst possible time for Tom. I was surprised to see what they both get and that Cross has two pensions.

Comment by Postman Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:41 pm
Same Ngozi that was in trouble and removed because of illegal activities at IDOT and Capitol Development Board?

Comment by Anon too Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:49 pm
My prediction for DCEO is that Rauner will leave it vacant. Sounds crazy, but Senator Manar’s previous SB 2 will likely be resuscitated and I would bet that Governor Rauner will lobby hard to ensure the new legislation passes. Why appoint someone to lead an agency that may be completely different (or even gone) by July 1st?

Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 1:59 pm
Rosenthal should remember the fate of a recently previously appointed legislator by a newly elected Governor. The leash was extremely short…

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 2:07 pm
The job of the Treasurer is to responsibly invest the State’s funds (in the words of the Constitution - the safekeeping and investment of monies and securities deposited with him, and for their disbursement upon order of the Comptroller. This looks more like a ’shadow’ Governor’s Office staff than the staff of a financial investment office.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 2:20 pm
There were alot more people hired.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 2:53 pm
I have worked with Jay and think the world of him. Smart lawyer, great head for politics, and a terrific work ethic. Mike’s lucky to have him.

Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 3:03 pm
Ngozi has been bounced around from agency to agency in the Quinn tradition of playing hot potato when agency leadership wants an employee gone. CMS was told to take her and word is that she’s had some trouble there. This definitely may bite the new admin in the proverbial behind if she remains.

Good choices on Jay and Dave. Wishing them well.

Comment by Surely Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 3:06 pm
Maybe it wasn’t a promise - but I took it as one - who was the federal hiring monitor by Rauner’s side when he made these appointments?

Comment by Dr X Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 3:27 pm
Ngozi @ CMS. For real? It’s the same government, just a different party. Rauner, you are pandering to the black community …. Sen. Meek’s girl. She is trouble!

Comment by Rod Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 3:48 pm
Julian attended Columbia University in New York, not Columbia College Chicago.

Apologies for the distraction.

Comment by Dave Clarkin Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 3:58 pm
DCEO is a critical appointment given his apparent desire for wholesale change, perhaps to a public-private board with new structure. I’d even consider giving it to Wu temporarily if the model is Mitch Daniels.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 4:16 pm
Good so far on the directors IMO.

Meeks doesn’t bother me since the drive for reforms will be Chicago targeted.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 4:20 pm
Will anything be done about the staff that were given pay hikes at the end of Rutherford’s term? Are they still employed? If so, for how long? Any news on that?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 5:23 pm
As a former employee under Jay Rowell who’s office was closed, was relocated and many friends lost their jobs at IDES I have to say I think the(young) man has a good head on his shoulders. His deputy directors and others in upper management not so much. I don’t know a tremendous amount about Jeff Mays but do think from what I’ve read he’s a good choice given Illinois needs to get more business friendly. I just hope he selects a good team to work with him.

Comment by AnonoBob Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 7:05 pm
Justin Cajindos is a great hire. Hard worker who gets stuff done.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 7:06 pm
Does anyone have details to back up the allegations in today’s comments regarding Ngozi Okorafor? Is there an ethics report? Are these just rumors? If there is an ethics commission report it would seem very odd for Rauner to offer her the job.

Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 7:10 pm
Anonobob- who do you think made that decision to close down and relocate your office??

Comment by anonoman Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 7:40 pm
Can’t say I am surprised by this list.

Comment by anon4 Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 7:45 pm
===CMS was told to take her and word is that she’s had some trouble there===

Um, no.

She was welcomed to CMS with open arms.

The only “trouble” she’s had that I know of was from good ol’ Downstate white boys.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 9:12 pm
@AnonoBob, agreed on Rowell. if he brings the Dragon Lady with him to the new place, people will not be happy.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 9:19 pm
Sorry Rich, Surely is correct. She came highly “recommended” by a former highly placed state senator and bounced around state agencies for a reason. She was told that CMS was the last stop on this train and if things hand gone differently November 5th, she was likely about to be removed. While there have been claims of “good ol’boy” behavior, I don’t see any findings from Human Rights or the EEO… which is where these claims went.

Comment by Tex Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 9:40 pm
Joe Beyer is the man to watch.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Jan 13, 15 @ 10:56 pm
Rauner is not pandering to any one group. He promised to shake things up and he is making good on his promise. The concerted effort to depict Meeks, Okorafor, etc. as poisonous is troubling. I’m going to have to side with Rich on this. Several comments smack of personal animus and (perhaps) prejudice in my mind. Many might be shocked by these unexpected picks, but the sore loser Quinnsters will stop at nothing to paint Meeks, Okorafor and future Black appointees
as somehow unqualified. Shameful! Hopefully, the Rauner transition team remains undeterred, forges ahead, and gives the Quinnsters the finger as they get down to the business of governing.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 14, 15 @ 12:18 am
Black folks are praying for Okorafor! CMS is a mess…

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 14, 15 @ 12:21 am
Believe what you like. I don’t know Okorafor on a personal level…but I know the situation I spoke to and I wanted to set the record straight. There were no “open arms” as Rich stated and the accusations of “good ol’boy” behavior have been unfounded and were made against staff north of I-80.

Comment by Tex Wednesday, Jan 14, 15 @ 1:22 am