RYAN NAMES ROBERT C. WINCHESTER DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today appointed Robert C. Winchester as Deputy Chief of Staff to oversee issues pertaining to Southern Illinois.

"Bob has been a trusted advisor of mine for many years," Ryan said. "As a life-long resident of Southern Illinois and former state Representative from Southern Illinois, he understands the region and knows how to get things done."

Winchester, 53, of Rosiclare, joined the Governor's staff in January of 1999 as a Special Assistant to the Governor. Prior to that, he served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of State for Public Advocacy. He has held a number of positions within state government, including positions with the Department of Corrections, the old Department of Central Services and the old Department of Conservation. Winchester was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1974 and represented the 118th District until January, 1985.

"With over 30 years of experience in and around state government, Bob is a great addition to my leadership team," Ryan added. "I have asked Bob to oversee the operations of the new Office of the Governor in Southern Illinois which will be established soon."

In February, during his first address to a joint session of the General Assembly, Governor Ryan announced plans to establish an Office of the Governor south of Interstate 70. An announcement regarding the opening of the new office has not yet been scheduled.###(99-70)