Governor Announces Appointments

Press Release - Friday, July 17, 2015

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois Tollway, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, and the Illinois Community College Board.

Name: Corey Brooks
Position: Board Member - Illinois Tollway

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Pastor Corey Brooks to the Illinois Tollway Board. He has a strong track record of working with private and public entities to affect positive change in his community.

Currently, Brooks is the Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church in Chicago. He founded the church in 2000. He leads a congregation of more than 2,000 members, including a staff of nearly 70, which has a budget of more than $1 million annually. His leadership has led to the church becoming a resource center for the community.

Previously, Brooks founded Project Hood, where he worked as a community activist. He took steps to combat gun violence in the City of Chicago and provided support to families impacted by the violence.

Brooks is a graduate of Ball State University. He earned a law degree from the University of Florida, as well as graduate degrees from the Dallas Theological Seminary and the Grace Theological Seminary. He lives in Chicago.

Name: Rick C. Tanksley
Position: Board Member - Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Oak Park Police Chief Rick Tanksley to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Tanksley will provide an important perspective to the board through his experience as a law enforcement leader.

Tanksley has served the people of Oak Park since 1984, beginning his career as a patrol officer. He rose through the ranks and became the Chief of Police in 2001. He currently oversees 116 sworn officers and 44 support staff in the department. His policies have led to a more transparent, professional and respectful police department in Oak Park.

In addition to his role as the Chief of Police, Tanksley is also active on a number of professional and civic boards that include: the FBI's Regional Forensic Computer Laboratory; the Rotary Club of Oak Park and River Forest; Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Illinois; and is the past president of the West Suburban Chiefs of Police.

Tanksley holds a bachelor's degree from Concordia University. He also holds master's degrees from the University of Illinois-Chicago in social work and Benedictine University in management and organizational behavior. He lives in Oak Park.

Name: Suzanne Morris Position: Board Member - Illinois Community College Board Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Suzanne Morris to the Illinois Community College Board. She has served Illinois' community college students on this board since 2003, and currently serves as Vice Chair. Morris' experience with community colleges comes from her work with the College of Lake County, where she served as the college's public relations coordinator. In addition, she served on the College of Lake County Foundation Board. She also is the chair of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. Morris holds a bachelor's degree from Barat College. She lives in Grayslake.