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 Name: Connie Beard
Position: Secretary – Illinois Department of Revenue
Governor Bruce Rauner has nominated a new Secretary for the Illinois
Department of Revenue, and has appointed Connie Beard, 59, to head
the department. Currently, she is the Executive Director for the
Illinois Chamber of Commerce Tax Institute.
Beard brings more than 30 years of experience in state and local
taxes to the position. For the past 17 years, her focus has been
promoting the interests of the Illinois business community as the
Founding Executive Director of the Illinois Chamber’s Tax Institute.
In this position, she actively monitors new business tax
legislation, advising the legislature on how potential tax
legislation will impact businesses.
This appointment is a return to the Department of Revenue for Beard.
She spent sixteen years at the Department of Revenue under Governors
Thompson, Edgar and Ryan. She held a number of positions, rising to
the position of Deputy General Counsel. In that capacity, she
directed the day-to-day activities of legal staff in the audit
bureau; and directed and coordinated 15 attorneys who settled tax
appeals. She also took a five-month appointment as one of two
attorneys who provided Governor Edgar with legal opinions on
legislative issues.
Beard is a licensed attorney, earning her law degree from the
University of Illinois College of Law. She earned her bachelor’s
degree in sociology from Eastern Illinois University. Beard
currently resides in Jacksonville, Illinois.
Experience:
Illinois Chamber of Commerce Tax Institute, Executive Director
(1997-Present)
Grant Thornton, LLP, Tax Manger (1995-1997)
Illinois Department of Revenue, Deputy General Counsel (1979 – 1995)
Education:
Eastern Illinois University, B.A. in Sociology 1976 University of
Illinois College of Law, J.D. 1979
Personal Information:
Age: 59
Hometown: Jacksonville Name: Lisa Bonnett
Position: Director – Environmental Protection Agency
Governor Bruce Rauner announced he has asked Lisa Bonnett, 53, to
continue her work as the Director of the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency (IEPA). Bonnett has worked for the IEPA for nearly
20 years, serving in a number of management positions, eventually
rising to director in 2013.
As director, Bonnett develops environmental protection and economic
development policies that promote and grow Illinois’ economy. She
has developed and streamlined the permit process to make sure the
environment of Illinois and the health of its people are protected.
Bonnett also created a program for local governments to upgrade and
expand aging water and sewer systems.
Bonnett joined the IEPA in 1995, starting as the Chief Financial
Officer. She held that position for 12 years before she was promoted
to Deputy Director. She also worked for the State of Illinois in
various accounting positions for 15 years.
Bonnett holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the University of
Illinois at Springfield.
Experience:
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (1995-Present)
- Director (2013-Present)
- Deputy Director (2008-2013)
- Chief Financial Officer (1995-2007)
State of Illinois, Various Accounting Positions (1980-1995)
Education:
University of Illinois at Springfield, B.A. (1988)
University of Illinois at Springfield, MBA (1994)
Personal Information:
Age: 53
Hometown: Springfield
Name: Erica Jeffries
Position: Director – Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Governor Bruce Rauner announced he has nominated Erica Jeffries,
38, as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’
Affairs. Jeffries is a former Captain and Black Hawk pilot the
United States Army, with more than ten years of additional
experience in government and private sector.
Jeffries served in the military for five years as a Captain in
the United States Army. She was a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter,
and provided operational support to senior military leaders. She
also received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations
from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Currently, Jefferies is the Chief Inclusion and Diversity
Officer of Exelis, which is a global aerospace, defense and
information solutions company. She coordinates the company’s
corporate social responsibility programs, and assist management
efforts in areas of diversity, inclusion and understanding. She
also worked for ITT Exelis as its Corporate Finance Executive.
Prior to her work in the private sector, Jeffries worked at the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a Senior Adviser to the
Chief Financial Officer. During her tenure, she served as the
primary liaison and coordinator for the EPA’s first
public-private partnership. She was also selected for the
prestigious White House Fellows Program, where she worked with
the EPA.
In addition to her undergraduate degree, Jeffries has a master’s
degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University, as well
as an MBA from Virginia Tech University.
Experience:
Exelis, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer (2013- Present)
ITT Exelis, Corporate Finance Executive (2012-2013) U.S
Environmental Protection Agency, Senior Adviser to the Chief
Financial Officer (2011-2012) White House Fellows Program, EPA
(2010-2011) Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Lead Associate in
Security Strategy, Defense Policy and Analysis (2003-2010)
United States Army, Captain (1999-2003)
Awards: 2014 Corporate Trailblazer Award, National
Black MBA Association Top 10 Under 40, Virginia Leadership
Institute
Education:
United States Military Academy, B.S. International Relations
(1998) Georgetown University, M.A. Security Studies (2008)
Virginia Tech University, M.B.A (2014)
Personal Information:
Age: 38
Hometown: Chicago
Name: Philip Nelson
Position: Secretary – Illinois Department of Agriculture
Governor Bruce Rauner has selected Philip Nelson, 57, as
Secretary of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Nelson is a
fourth-generation farmer, and was most recently the President of
the Illinois Farm Bureau, a position he held from 2003 to 2013.
 As the President of the IFB, Nelson led the state’s largest
agricultural advocacy organization in Illinois, which worked to
grow agricultural interests in the state. In addition to his
responsibilities with the IFB, he was also the President of
COUNTRY Financial, which is the state’s third largest auto and
home insurer. He also was elected as the Director of the
American Farm Bureau Federation that enabled him to advocate for
Illinois on a national and international level.
In addition to his work with the IFB, Nelson served on advisory
committees with the United States Department of Agriculture in
the areas of biotechnology, federal grain inspection and trade
in animal and animal products. He also was elected ad the Vice
President of the American Soybean Association, and the President
of the Illinois Soybean Association.
Nelson has won a number of awards for his work in agriculture,
including being named Illinois Farmer of the year in 2014 by
Senator Mark Kirk. Nelson runs a diversified grain and livestock
farm in Seneca.
Experience:
Nelson Farms, Owner/Operator Illinois Farm Bureau,
President (2003-2013) COUNTRY Financial, President (2003-2013)
American Farm Bureau Federation, Director (2003-2013) LaSalle
County Farm Bureau (1993-1999) American Soybean Association,
Vice President (1993-1994) Illinois Soybean Association,
President (1989-1991)
Leadership positions:
USDA Advisory Committees First-Ever Biotechnology Committee
Federal Grain Inspection Service Committee Agricultural
Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal
Products
Awards:
2014 Illinois Famer of the Year 2014 4-H Alumni Hall of
Fame 2012 Joliet Junior College Distinguished Service Award
2010 Southern Illinois University Outstanding Service to
Agriculture
Education:
Joliet Junior College, Associate Degree in Animal Production
(1978) American FFA Degree (1978) Agricultural Leaders of
Tomorrow (1982) Illinois Ag Leadership Program (1984)
Personal Information:
Age: 57
Hometown: Seneca
Name: Felicia Norwood
Position: Secretary – Illinois Department of Healthcare and
Family Services
Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Felicia Norwood, 55, as
Secretary to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family
Services. Norwood brings more than twenty years of experience in
health care policy, health business operations and health care
delivery to the position.
Norwood has spent large portions of her career working for the
insurance company, Aetna. Most recently, was the President of
the Mid-America region, overseeing a budget of more than $6
billion. She began her career at Aetna as a Government Realtions
Counsel, where she analyzed and drafted legislation related to
health care. From 2006 to 2010, Norwood stepped away from Aetna
to become the CEO, President and COO of ActiveHealth Management.
This is not the first time, however, that Norwood has worked
in state government. She was a Senior Policy Advisory on Health
and Human Services to Governor Edgar, where she led health care
reform intiatives, and chaired the Govenrorn’s Human Services
Cabinet. She also served as a Policy Adviser on Human Services
to Governor Thompson, where she developed and implemented
policies on children and family services, public health and
mental health.
Norwood earned her law degree from Yale Law School, a
master’s degree in Political Science from the University of
Wisconsin, and her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from
Valdosta State University in Georgia.
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Experience:
Aetna, Inc.
President, Mid-America Region (2010-2013) ActiveHealth Management;
CEO, President and COO (2006-2010) Aetna, Inc., Chicago, IL
Head of Medicaid (2005-2006)
National Head of Small Group & Individual Market Segments
(2003-2005) Aetna, Inc., Hartford, CT (2001-2002) Aetna, Inc.,
King of Prussia, PA (2000-2001) Aetna U.S. Healthcare
Market President (1999-2000)
Regional General Counsel (1997-1999)
Government Relations Counsel (1994-1997) Office of the Governor,
Policy Adviser for Health and Human Services (1991-1994) Hopkins &
Sutter, Attorney (1989-1991) Office of the Governor, Policy
Adviser for Human Services (1983-1986) Leadership positions:
Executive Leadership Council Co-Chair Planned Parenthood of
Illinois, Vice-Chair, Board of Directors Jim Edgar Leadership
Initiative, Advisory Board Yale School Fund, Board Member
Education:
Yale Law School, J.D. University of Wisconsin, M.A. Political
Science Valdosta State University, B.A. Political Science
Personal Information:
Age: 55
Hometown: Chicago Name: Wayne Rosenthal
Position: Secretary – Department of Natural Resources
Governor Bruce Rauner announces he has nominated State
Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R- 95th District) as the Secretary
of the Department of Natural Resources. Rep. Rosenthal is a retired
Brigadier General from the Illinois Air National Guard and the owner
of his family’s farm in Morrisonville.
 Rep. Rosenthal’s experience spans more than 30 years in both the
military and as a civilian. He was recently re-elected to his third
term as a member of the House of Representatives. As a member of the
House, he serves on eight committees, including Agriculture &
Conservation, Energy and Veterans’ Affairs. Rep. Rosenthal is also
the Chairman of the Downstate GOP Caucus.
In addition to his work in the General Assembly, Rep. Rosenthal is
currently a Trustee on the Lincoln Land Community College Board of
Trustees. Previously, he served on the Morrisionville Community
School Unit District #1 for six years, and five of those years he
served as the board’s Vice President.
Prior to working in the House, Rep. Rosenthal served in the Illinois
Air National Guard, retiring at the rank of Brigadier General. He
oversaw more than 500 enlisted personnel and officers, while
managing a multi-million dollar budget and more than $500 million in
assets.
Rep. Rosenthal is a life-long resident of Illinois and has owned his
family’s farm for more than 20 years. His 800-acre grain farm has an
emphasis on conservation. He also established a hunting and fishing
preserve in Montgomery County. Rep. Rosenthal has a bachelor’s
degree in Mathematics from Sangamon State University.
Experience:
Illinois House of Representatives – 95th District (2010-Present)
Lincoln Land Community College Trustee (2009-Present) Macoupin
County Soil & Water Conservation District Director (2002-2010)
Sangamon County Pheasants Forever District Director (2002-2009)
Illinois Air National Guard (1971-2001)
Retired Brigadier General
Upper Macoupin Creek Planning Committee (2001-2003)
Morrisonville Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education
(1992-1998)
Vice President (1993-1998) DeKalb/Pfizer Genetics, Regional Sales
Manager (1976-1978)
Membership Organizations: Christian County Farm Bureau
American Legion Post #721 Knights of Columbus Council #1152
Grand Knight (1976-1978) Palmer-Morrisonville Recreation
Association
Director (1987-Present)
Education:
● Sangamon State University, B.A. Mathematics (1974)
Personal Information:
Age: 64
Hometown: Morrisonville
Name: Nirav Dinesh Shah
Position: Director – Illinois Department of Public Health
Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed a new Director to the Illinois
Department of Public Health. Nirav Shah, 37, will lead the
department, which helps protect the health and wellness of the
people of Illinois. Shah holds both a medical degree and law degree,
making him uniquely qualified to understand both the health and
administrative sides of this position.
Shah is currently an attorney at Sidley Austin in Chicago, focusing
on the administrative and legal aspects of public health. He works
with clients around the world to administer health programs,
improving access to quality health care.
In addition, Shah is currently a lecturer in global public health at
the University of Chicago’s medical school, where he teaches
students how to solve public health problems through empirical
analysis. He also sits on the board of the Northwestern Global
Health Foundation and the Women’s Global Education project.
Prior to earning his medical and law degrees, Shah worked for the
Ministry of Health in Cambodia as a public health economist. He
worked with the Cambodian health care system to address
inefficiencies, making the public health system more cost-effective
for the government and for the people.
 Shah graduated from the University of Chicago with a law degree in
2007 and his M.D. in 2008. He also attended Oxford University as a
Rotary Scholar in economics. Shah earned his bachelor’s degree in
biology from the University of Louisville.
Experience:
Sidley Austin, LLP, Senior Associate (2008-Present) Ministry of
Health – Kingdom of Cambodia, Chief Economist (2002-2003)
Honors and Awards: Chicago Council on Global Affairs,
Emerging Leader Soros Foundation New American Fellow University
of Chicago John M. Olin Scholar in Law & Economics Henry Luce
Scholar Rotary International Scholar
Education:
University of Louisville, B.S. Biology & Philosophy (1999)
University of Oxford, Rotary Scholar (1999-2000) University of
Chicago, J.D. (2007) University of Chicago, M.D. (2008)
Personal Information:
Age: 37
Hometown: Chicago
Name: Brien Sheahan
Position: Chairman - Illinois Commerce Commission
Governor Bruce Rauner has nominated Brien Sheahan, 45, as Chairman
of the Illinois Commerce Commission. Sheahan has more than twenty
years of experience in managing government relations and policy
making. This is a return to the ICC; Sheahan worked as Legal Counsel
to the commission 15 years ago.
 Sheahan most recently assisted the Governor’s Transition Committee
as Counsel. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy Suburban Director
& Statewide Local Government Coalitions for Citizen’s for Rauner,
Inc., where he oversaw the campaign field office for northeastern
Illinois.
Before joining the campaign, Sheahan worked as the Director of
Government Relations at Navistar. He developed and managed
relationships with key policy makers at local, state and federal
government levels; drafted legislation and support materials; and
developed state and local economic initiatives.
As an attorney, Sheahan has worked as General Counsel for the
Illinois Republican Party, run his own private practice and provided
legal counsel to the ICC. Sheahan also was an elected Board Member
of DuPage County for ten years.
Sheahan has several years of experience in Illinois state
government. Most recently, he worked for the Illinois Housing
Development Authority as the Deputy Executive Director. Prior to
that, he spent two years at the ICC as Legal Counsel. He also was a
Policy Adviser to Governor Edgar, acting as a liaison to mayors and
local officials across the state of Illinois. Prior to that, he was
an Assistant to the Lt. Governor and a Dunn Fellow in the Governor’s
office.
Sheahan has been a licensed attorney for 15 years, earning his law
degree from DePaul University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in
urban and regional planning from the University of Illinois.
Experience:
Governor-Elect Transition Committee, Counsel (November
2014-January 2015) Citizens for Rauner, Inc., Deputy Suburban
Director & Statewide Local Government Coalitions (June 2014-November
2014)
 Navistar, Inc., Director of Government Relations (2012-2014
Illinois Republican Party, General Counsel (2007-2012) Law Office
of Brien J. Seahan & Ancel Glink, Attorney at Law (2002-2012)
Illinois Housing Development Authority, Deputy Executive Director
(2000-2002) Illinois Commerce Commission, Legal Counsel
(1998-2000) Assistant to the Governor, Policy Adviser (1996-1998)
Assistant to the Lt. Governor (1994-1996) Office of the Governor,
Dunn Fellow
Leadership positions:
DuPage County Board Member (2002-2012)
One of 18 elected members representing nearly a million people in
Illinois’ second-largest county.
Education:
DePaul University College of Law, J.D. 1998 University of
Illinois, B.A. Urban & Regional Planning 1992
Personal Information:
Age: 45
Hometown: Elmhurst
[Lance Trover, Office of the Governor
Bruce Rauner]
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