Gov. Blagojevich appoints James Sledge as director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security         

[March 09, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich on Monday named James P. Sledge as the new Director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). His appointment is effective immediately and requires Senate confirmation. Prior to his appointment, Sledge served as the Executive Director of the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

"I am pleased to appoint James Sledge as my new Director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security. As the director of the Human Right Commission over the past few years, James already proved himself as someone who understands the important role government plays in making sure all people enjoy protection under the law and have equal opportunity to succeed. I am confident he will be instrumental in making sure Illinoisans have access to the employment services and benefits they're entitled to," said the Governor.

Before joining the Blagojevich administration, Sledge worked for eight years in local government as an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney, where he practiced in both the Child Support Enforcement Division and Domestic Violence Division.

As the Executive Director of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, Sledge not only managed the day-to-day operations and the million-dollar budget of the agency, but his duties also required him to process and operate civil rights claims that were brought to the Commission. Sledge served as chief liaison to the Governor's office, Illinois General Assembly, other state agencies and the public.

"I am grateful that Governor Blagojevich has chosen me to lead the Department of Employment Security. I've had the privilege to work on his behalf to protect Illinoisans from unlawful discrimination, and now I look forward to advancing his agenda to ensure the security of all hardworking citizens of this state," said Sledge.

James Sledge replaces Brenda Russell, who served as IDES Director since January 2003 and is returning to the private sector. Mr. Sledge holds a bachelor's degree from St. Xavier University and a juris doctorate from Notre Dame Law School.

"I'm proud to have worked as part of Governor Blagojevich's economic development team. Under the Governor's direction, Illinois has reached record-low unemployment levels and significantly improved the delivery of a broad range of services to unemployed persons, especially veterans," Russell said.

[Text copied from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]