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* UPDATED x1 * Embattled Veterans’ Affairs director quits

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* Tony Arnold and Dave McKinney…

The head of the agency that oversees the state-run veterans’ home that’s been plagued by Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks is resigning, according to an email obtained Friday by WBEZ.

Erica Jeffries, who was Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s pick to lead the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, has been at the helm of the agency during a series of Legionnaires’ outbreaks that have resulted in 13 deaths since 2015.

Troy Culbertson, a senior administrator with IDVA, told colleagues via email that Jeffries had accepted a new position and her final day leading the agency would be May 18. Culbertson told staff that Jeffries was leaving for a job with Johnson and Johnson, and that assistant director Harry Sawyer would become interim director.

Representatives from the IDVA and the governor’s office did not immediately confirm news of Jeffries’ departure.

*** UPDATE *** From the governor’s office…

Director Jeffries has indicated to the Governor that she is accepting an offer in the private sector. We thank her for her tremendous service to the State of Illinois and will be vetting appropriate successors in the coming weeks.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 12:26 pm

Comments

I know of a certain doctor in D.C. that is suddenly available to take the job.

Comment by Not It Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 12:30 pm
Ooh. I wonder what Nirav is thinking about today.

Comment by Illinoisian Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 12:40 pm
Good to know that Johnson and Johnson recruits those with proven records of success.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 12:52 pm
Comparing both Veterans Affairs and Public Health’s appropriations hearings, I think it was clear that the Senate Democrats are letting Jeffries leave gracefully. If I was betting on the future, I’m sure we’ll see the pressure increase more on Dr. Shah, this could get ugly

Comment by Angry State Worker Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 12:58 pm
“Good to know that Johnson and Johnson recruits those with proven records of success.”

Probably be in charge of the baby and talcum powder divisions.

Comment by Leave a Light on George Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 1:03 pm
What’s her new gig, Director of Stonewalling?

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 1:06 pm
word, she’s gonna be in charge of their production of red tape. They currently have a six-day backlog of TPS reports and thought she was just the right candidate.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 1:12 pm
Harry needs our help — see www.IllinoisJoiningForces.org for how you can support our military families and veterans — lots to tackle for these heroes — reflect on how you can make an impact by serving those who served

Comment by 21st State Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 1:24 pm
It is good to she that she is leaving. She definitely could not handle the position. I just wish she resigned earlier and maybe there would be less than 13 deaths.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 2:27 pm
She did a great thing when last summer she opened an email with a virus in it and infected the entire DVA computer network. How did she keep her job after that?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 2:50 pm
Not one to wait, Senator Sam McCann today called for the resignation of the yet-to-be-named new director of Veterans Affairs.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Apr 27, 18 @ 3:32 pm