Governor Quinn Announces Executive Appointments

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today made a number of key appointments to the state’s boards and commissions. Included in today’s action are the reappointments of Judge Aaron Jaffe, Chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board and Michael Holewinski, Vice-Chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board. This announcement continues the Governor’s commitment to making Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.

“These individuals are committed to serving the people of Illinois on our state boards and commissions,” Governor Quinn said. “I am confident these capable people will help make our state an even better place to live and work.”

“Just as it is critical to protect the public interest, it is also critical to have strong oversight of casino gambling in Illinois,” the Governor added. “The Illinois Gaming Board has served as a strong watchdog for the last two decades and both Judge Jaffe and Mr. Holewinski have done a fine job. I am confident that in their positions they will continue keeping corruption out of the Illinois gambling industry.”

As a result of Governor Quinn’s efforts to make the executive appointment process more accessible and transparent, residents who are interested in serving on boards and commissions can now apply online.

Appointments made today by the Governor include:

Council on Aging:

Talat Khan of Darien is a Research Investigator at Veterans Administration and holds a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University and a M.S. and B.S. from Osmania University.

Illinois Arts Council:

Shirley Madigan of Chicago has served on the Illinois Arts Council since 1976 and has been Chairman for more than 20 years. Ms. Madigan actively represents the Council to arts organizations, individual artists, government officials, educators and the business and philanthropy communities. Ms. Madigan has a B.A. from Gonzaga University and a master’s degree in education from Loyola University.

Chicago State University Board of Trustees:

Nikki Zollar of Chicago is the president and CEO of Triad Consulting Services, Inc. and also the president of SafeSpeed, LLC. Ms. Zollar is a former Director of the Illinois Department of Financial Regulation and holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. from The John Hopkins University.

Illinois Gaming Board:

Michael Holewinski of Chicago has been reappointed as the Vice-Chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board. Mr. Holewinski is the president of Ace Industries and is a former Illinois State Representative. He is also the chairman of the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association and is a member of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition. Mr. Holewinski holds a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School.

Judge Aaron Jaffe of Evanston, who has chaired the Illinois Gaming Board since 2005, has been reappointed to Chairman of the Board. Under Judge Jaffe’s leadership, the board has increased openness and transparency in the gaming industry, notably revoking the 10th casino gaming license in order to rebid the license through a fair and open process. He has consistently led efforts to hold entities that violate gaming regulations accountable. Judge Jaffe holds a J.D. from DePaul University.

Lottery Control Board:

Paul Schaefer (reappointment) of Edwardsville is a field director for United Food and Commercial Workers Local 881 and holds a B.A. from the University of Evansville.

Pollution Control Board:

Deanna Glosser (reappointment) of Riverton is the former president of Environmental Planning Solutions, Inc. and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. Ms. Glosser holds a B.S. from Illinois State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois.

Prisoner Review Board:

Vonetta Rush of Swansea is a program coordinator for East St. Louis School District 189 and holds a M.A. from Lindenwood University a M.A. from Webster University, a M.P.A. and a B.S. from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.

Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees:

Joel Sambursky of Carbondale is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and a president of Liberty Wealth Management, LLC. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the Carbondale Community Arts and is a former president and executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Sambursky - Southern Illinois University’s quarterback from 2002-2005 - was inducted into the Saluki Hall of Fame in 2012 for having led the Salukis to three straight football conference championships and appearances at the NCAA National Playoffs. Mr. Sambursky holds a MBA and B.S. from Southern Illinois University.

For more information on all of the state’s boards and commissions, or to apply to serve on a board, please visit Appointments.Illinois.gov.