Gov. Blagojevich appoints new Inspector General

CHICAGO - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today named James A. Wright, the current Inspector General of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, as the new Executive Inspector General.  Wright has nearly a quarter of a century experience in law, investigation and government.  His experience includes several years at the United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's office and Chicago Board of Education. Wright follows Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott as the Executive Inspector General, who held the post for two years. 

 

"I would like to thank Z Scott for her excellent work and dedication as the state's first Executive Inspector General.  I believe James Wright's work with the Illinois Tollway demonstrates his integrity and commitment, and I know that he will do a thorough and fair job as the new Executive Inspector General," said Gov. Blagojevich.

 

Wright is a longtime attorney and Illinois native. His credentials include 23 years of legal and professional experience in both public and private sectors. He has served as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. Wright holds an undergraduate degree from Illinois State University, as well as a law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and a Master's degree in management from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He is also a member of the National and Illinois Chapters of the Association of Inspector Generals.  In October 2003, Gov. Blagojevich appointed Wright to the position of Inspector General of the Illinois Tollway, where he investigated all instances of waste, inefficiencies, fraud, corruption, and mismanagement in the day-to-day operations of the Illinois Tollway.

 

"I'm really happy for the opportunity to help the Governor ensure that the accountability and the integrity of the government here in Illinois is maintained," said Wright. "I'm willing to assist him in making sure we have good government."

 

Gov. Blagojevich created the office of Executive Inspector General through an Executive Order early in his administration as part of a series of reforms to root out public corruption.  As Inspector General, Wright will be designated to carry out investigations of potential acts of public corruption or misconduct allegedly committed by any employee of the governor's office or other parts of the government-- including agencies, departments, or boards and commissions-- that are directly responsible to the governor.