Gov. Ryan Appoints Budget Director Schnorf Interim Head of CMS

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. George H. Ryan today announced the appointment of the Bureau of the Budget Director Stephen B. Schnorf as the interim director of the Department of Central Management Services, replacing Michael S. Schwartz, who is taking early retirement for health reasons.

Schnorf's appointment is effective Oct. 1. Mike Colsch, who currently serves as bureau of the budget deputy director, will serve as interim director of the bureau.

"Mike Schwartz has been tough negotiator on behalf of the state. He has done an outstanding job with labor contracts as well as purchasing contracts," Governor Ryan said. "His efforts have saved the state millions of dollars."

Schnorf, of Springfield, served as CMS director from 1991 to 1994. He was Governor Edgar's Senior Assistant and Director of Policy from December 1994 to November 1997, when he was named Director of the Bureau of the Budget. He was re-appointed by Gov. Ryan in 1999. Prior to joining state government, Schnorf directed several social advocacy agencies. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.

Colsch, of Springfield, has served as Budget deputy director since May 1994. He had been serving as the Bureau's division chief of economic analysis and debt management. He also has worked for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority as director of budget and debt management. There he prepared and monitored the authority's budget and helped develop financing for the McCormick Place expansion project. Colsch is a graduate of Loras College and Western Illinois University.

Schwartz, of Springfield, has been in state government since 1985. He has worked in the Departments of Revenue and Professional Regulation before joining CMS in 1989 as Associate Director. He was named Director in 1995.

Prior to joining state government, Schwartz was a teacher in the New Berlin schools. He is a graduate of Illinois State University and the University of Illinois Springfield. Schwartz will retire on September 30.