Governor Blagojevich Names Jerome Butler as Assistant Secretary of Illinois Department of Human Services

CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today named Jerome Butler as Assistant Secretary of Operations of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to continue the department's goals to help Illinoisans meet basic needs, streamline services and improve accountability.  Butler has served as chief operating officer of IDHS since 2003. 

 

"Today I am pleased to name Jerome Butler, a man with a proven track record of leadership and public service, as assistant secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services. In his time as chief operating officer, he has developed new processes to make IDHS function with more efficiency and accountability," said Governor Blagojevich.

 

As chief operating officer, Butler was responsible for overseeing five major divisions within IDHS dealing with the business side of the agency. He developed a thorough review process for IDHS contracts and provided guidance on the restructuring of the acquisition and delivery of pharmaceuticals within the various agency divisions.

 

"I would like thank Governor Blagojevich for this appointment. The Department of Human Services works to provide services that help Illinois residents achieve self-sufficiency and independence. In this new position I will continue my dedication that has marked my tenure as chief operating officer," said Butler.

 

Butler received his B.A. in Business Administration from Fisk University and his J.D. from Columbia University. Before becoming chief operating officer of the department, Butler held the position of vice president, general counsel and chief operating officer of Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc. from August 2000 to January 2003. From March 1996 until July 1999, he was general counsel for the Chicago Housing Authority.

 

Prior to his position with housing authority, Butler served as associate general counsel for the Chicago Transit Authority. While serving as general counsel for the Chicago Housing Authority, Butler was instrumental in implementing policies and strategies that increased efficiency.

 

In his new position, Butler will be able to draw on his vast experience which will aid him while overseeing the chief operating officer, chief fiscal officer, contract administration, business services, human resources, management information services and budget and fiscal services.