GOVERNOR RYAN ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS, NAMES LOUCKS AS FIRST WOMAN DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF EDUCATION

(SPRINGFIELD) -- As his first act as Governor of the state of Illinois, George H. Ryan announced today his appointment of the first woman to be Deputy Governor of Education.

Ryan said Dr. Hazel Loucks of Edwardsville was appointed to the position because of her experience in elementary and higher education, as well as her extensive training on the state and national level with educators, teachers and parents on school funding and classroom improvement methods.

"As part of my pledge to appoint a deputy governor of education who would work to improve the school systems of Illinois, I have chosen Dr. Loucks to serve as my point person with the schools, parents, teachers and students of this state," Ryan added.

Loucks, 60, is currently the higher education director for the Illinois Education Association, a position she has held since 1994. She was previously assistant professor of educational administration and higher education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She holds a doctorate in education administration from St. Louis University, a masters degree in personnel work in higher education from Ohio State University and a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Ryan announced 28 appointments to state director and cabinet level positions. Serving as deputy governor of program and planning will be Katherine Selcke, 46, of Hinsdale. "Kathy has a wealth of experience within state government and was responsible, along with my chief of staff Bob Newtson, for the research and development of the position papers we issued during the campaign," Ryan said.

Last week, Ryan appointed Robert Newtson of Springfield as chief of staff in the Governor's Office. The remaining cabinet appointments made by the Governor follow:

Department on Aging--Margo Schreiber of Carol Stream, 61, who is currently the administrator of the DuPage County Department of Human Resources.

Department of Agriculture--Joseph Hampton of Windsor, 55, who has been a farmer for 28 years and is a U.S. Army veteran.

Department of Corrections--Donald Snyder of Pittsfield, 43, a former sheriff, who is currently deputy director for administrative services for corrections.

Department of Children and Family Services--Jess McDonald of Springfield, who is currently director of DCFS.

Department of Employment Security--Linda Renee Baker, 36, of Springfield, who is currently assistant director of the Illinois Department of Public Aid.

Environmental Protection Agency--Thomas Skinner, 37, of Lake Bluff, an environmental attorney with Winston and Strawn in Chicago, who holds a doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law.

Department of Financial Institutions--Sarah Vega, 35, of Chicago, who is currently the supervisor of the credit union division with DFI.

Department of Human Rights--Carlos Salazar, 48, of Chicago, a former supervisor at the department, who was the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer in the secretary of state's office.

Department of Human Services--Howard A. Peters III, 53, of Springfield, who currently serves as Secretary of DHS, which was created in 1997.

Department of Insurance--Nat Shapo, 31, of Chicago, who has served as a research and program development coordinator in the secretary of state's office.

Department of Lottery--Lori Montana, 41, of Chicago, who currently serves as director.

Department of Natural Resources--Brent Manning, 45, of Pawnee, who currently serves as director of DNR, and former director of field operations for Ducks Unlimited.

Department of Professional Regulation--Leonard Sherman, 49, of Chicago, who currently serves as the director of administrative hearings in the secretary of state's office.

Department of Public Aid--Ann Patla of Springfield, 54, who is associate secretary of DHS.

Illinois State Police--Sam Nolen, 64, of Springfield, a 38-year veteran of the State Police, who previously served as acting director from January to March 1991 and began his professional career as a state trooper.

Department of Revenue--Glen Bower, 49, of Effingham, who was appointed assistant to the secretary of state in January of 1998, previously served as Chair of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board and was assistant director and general counsel of Revenue.

Department of Transportation--Kirk Brown, 52, of Springfield, who currently serves as secretary.

Ryan also announced appointments to his gubernatorial cabinet. The appointees follow:

Deputy Chief of Staff in Springfield, Kevin Wright, 42, of Springfield, who served as deputy chief of staff in the secretary of state's office.

Deputy Chief of Staff in Chicago, Rich Juliano, 31, of Chicago, who served in a similar capacity for the secretary of state's office.

Director of Washington D.C. Office, Bernie Robinson of Washington, D.C. and formerly of Olgilvie, IL.

Director of Policy Development, Bridget Lamont, 50, of Springfield, who served as director of the Illinois State Library for the secretary of state's office.

General Counsel, Diane Ford, 45, of New Berlin, who served as general counsel for the secretary of state's office.

Director of Bureau of Budget, Steven Schnorf, 51, of Rochester, who currently serves in that position.

Governor's Press Secretary, Dave Urbanek, 39, of Springfield, who served as press secretary for the secretary of state's office.

Deputy Press Secretary based in Chicago, John Torre, 43, of Naperville, who served as deputy press secretary for the secretary of state's office.

"The people that I am appointing today represent the top leaders in their respective fields," Ryan said. "I believe we have found some talented people with the technical expertise, management experience and people skills that will help us fulfill the goals of this administration."

All of the director positions must be receive Senate confirmation before assuming office. The Governor's cabinet-level positions will take effect immediately.