RYAN MAKES ADDITIONAL CABINET APPOINTMENTS

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. George H. Ryan made additional appointments to his cabinet today, including the selection of Pam McDonough, chair of the Illinois Women's Business Ownership Council, as director of the state Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

McDonough, 45, has been a statewide leader in the effort to increase opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned businesses throughout Illinois. A Springfield resident, McDonough is executive director of the Federation of Women Contractors and is the first woman to serve as DCCA director.

"Pam McDonough has the experience and the drive that we need to lead our economic development efforts in Illinois," Ryan said. "If we are going to keep the Illinois economy strong and vibrant in the 21st Century, we need a development expert in place who knows what it takes to maintain a good business climate and create jobs."

McDonough's appointment requires confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

Ryan also appointed Lourdes Ortiz, 39, of Chicago; as assistant director at DCCA. She currently is employed with the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development as coordinator of the Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan. This appointment requires Senate confirmation.

Ryan also made the following appointments to cabinet positions. All nominations for director and assistant director require Senate confirmation.

DEPARTMENT ON AGING

As deputy director, Nancy Nelson, 50, of Springfield; the current deputy director of the agency.

As deputy director, Lynda Ganzer, 52, of Chicago; currently assistant director of the Department of Seniors and Community Services in the secretary of state's office.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

As assistant director, Joan Messina, 52, of Springfield; currently a program development specialist in the secretary of state's office.

OFFICE OF BANKS AND REAL ESTATE

As commissioner, William A. Darr, 49, of Park Ridge; currently the director of the Department of Seniors and Community Affairs in the secretary of state's office.

As first deputy commissioner, David Rodriguez, 41, of Chicago; currently an assistant to Attorney General Jim Ryan.

DEPARTMENT OF CENTRAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES

As director, Michael S. Schwartz, 46, of Springfield; the current director of CMS.

As assistant director, Gertrude Jordan, 65, of Chicago; currently public service administrator of Central Management Services' business enterprise program for minorities, females and persons with disabilities.

As assistant director, Glenn Good, 35, of Chicago; currently the deputy director of the Department of Physical Services in the secretary of state's office.

ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

As director, Michael Chamness, 45, of Rochester; currently the director of the Department of Driver Services in the secretary of state's office.

ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL

As state fire marshal, Thomas Armstead, 62, of Springfield; the current state fire marshal.

ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION AGENCY

As director, Susan Mogerman, 53, of Springfield; currently the director of the IHPA.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

As assistant secretary, Audrey McCrimon, 46, of Springfield; currently the assistant secretary at DHS.

DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

As assistant director, Madelynne Brown, 49, of Chicago; currently the assistant director at the agency.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AID

As assistant director, David Citron, 51, of Highland Park; currently self-employed principal, DC Associates Health Care Consulting Firm.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

As director, Dr. John Lumpkin, 47, of Chicago; the current director of the agency.

As assistant director, Mark Schmidt, 43, of Chatham; the current assistant director of the agency.

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

As assistant director, Patricia Marriott, 41, of Springfield; the current assistant director of the agency.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

As deputy secretary, Rob Newbold, 33, of Springfield; currently the deputy director of the Department of Physical Services in the secretary of state's office.

As assistant secretary, Joseph Banks, 45, of Chicago; the current assistant secretary at the agency.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

As director, John Johnston, 69, of Springfield; currently veterans' affairs director in the secretary of state's office.

As assistant director, George Cramer, 53, of Woodridge; the current assistant director of the agency.

As deputy director, Harold "Hal" Fritz, 54, of Peoria; the current deputy director of the agency.