RYAN NAMES ROBERT HEALEY TO HEAD DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

BAL HARBOUR, FLA. -- Gov. George H. Ryan today appointed Robert M. Healey as Director of the Illinois Department of Labor.

Ryan made the announcement earlier today from the annual AFL-CIO convention in Bal Harbour, Florida, where both he and Healey have been since yesterday.

"Bob is a true leader," Ryan said. "He brings a wealth of experience to the Department of Labor. His knowledge of the issues and standing in the labor community will undoubtedly serve the citizens of Illinois well."

Healey, 69, of Homewood, has been a member of the State Labor Relations Board since 1994. Prior to that, Healey served as President of the Chicago Federation of Labor and Industrial Union Council. He was President of the Chicago Teachers Union for 12 years and President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers for 18 years. Healey is a board member of numerous civic and charitable organizations and has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Healey's appointment takes effect March 1, 1999.

Other appointments made today include: Thomas W. Ortciger, 58 of Springfield, re-appointed Director of the Department of Nuclear Safety. Ortciger has served as DNS Director since 1990.
Shirley Madigan, 56, of Chicago, designated as Chair of the Illinois Arts Council. Madigan has been a Council member since 1977. Her appointment is effective immediately.
Sam Panayotovich, 52, of Lansing, appointed Executive Director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Panayotovich has served as Associate Director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission for the past 6 years. His appointment is effective immediately.