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RYAN MAKES APPOINTMENTS TO HIS EXECUTIVE STAFF
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. George H. Ryan today made several appointments to his executive staff, including personnel who will direct his legislative affairs, oversee strategic planning and technology for state government, coordinate an agency-by-agency performance review and develop policy and programs for the governor's office.
Ryan named Charles "Chip" Woodward as his director of legislative affairs. Woodward, 50, had most recently been director of legislative affairs for the secretary of state's office since 1994 and deputy director since 1991. A resident of Springfield, Woodward has also worked as a legislative liaison for the Department of Public Aid.
"Over the last four years, I have called on Chip to help me shepherd my legislative proposals through the treacherous waters of the General Assembly," Ryan said. "His skill and experience will be invaluable in the governor's office."
Ryan named Thomas Herndon of Taylorville as Director of Strategic Planning for state government. Herndon, 52, will help fulfill a Ryan campaign pledge and develop a comprehensive strategic plan for state government's future. Since 1970, Herndon has served as director of the Secretary of State Office of Budget and Finance.
Ryan named Richard Larison of Rochester as director of the administration's Statewide Performance Review Project, an initiative that will be chaired by Lt. Gov. Corinne G. Wood. The Review Project will examine every state agency and regulation to help identify programs and policies that don't work or are not needed. Larison, 48, most recently was a special assistant to Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Paul Vallas.
"Rick and I have met already to start laying out the scope and methods we will use to evaluate state government's agencies and programs," Wood said. "We have a huge job in front of us, but it is an important job that I believe will lead to efficiencies for the people of Illinois."
In addition, Ryan also made several appointments to his senior policy and program development staff:
Laurence Msall, of Oak Park, was named senior advisor for economic development. Msall, 35, most recently was the vice president of the Commercial Club of Chicago.
Eric Brenner, of Silver Springs, Maryland, was named senior advisor for regulatory issues. Brenner, 40, most recently was a government affairs consultant with Johnson, Bassin and Shaw.
Mary Barber Reynolds, of Pleasant Plains, was named senior advisor for technology. Reynolds, 36, was most recently a top advisor to former Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra on education issues.
Terry A. Scrogum, of Springfield, was named senior advisor for cultural affairs. Scrogum, 46, most recently was deputy executive director of The Hope School in Springfield.
Jackie Garner, of Springfield, was named senior advisor for health and human services. Garner, 45, was most recently chief executive officer of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.
Colleen Atterbury, of Springfield, was named special liaison between the State Board of Education, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the governor's office. Atterbury, 39, most recently was a policy specialist in the secretary of state's office.
Renee Cipriano, of Chicago, was named senior advisor on the environment and natural resources. Cipriano was most recently chief counsel to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Marge Sodeman, of Champaign, was named senior advisor for local government affairs. Sodeman, 72, was most recently director of the secretary of state's Index Department.
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