Governor Announces New Director for the Department of Professional Regulation

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that Aurelia Pucinski will take over as Director of the Department of Professional Regulation on August 1, 2002. Pucinski replaces Leonard Sherman who has been Director of IDPR since 1999.

"Director Sherman advised me last year that he wanted to leave his position in order to spend more time with his daughters," Governor Ryan said. "I certainly understood his request, but asked him to remain until the conclusion of this spring's legislative session and he agreed.

"I want to thank Len Sherman for his dedication to the people of Illinois. He has served at the Department of Professional Regulation with honor and distinction and he will be missed. Aurelia Pucinski has a wealth of experience in public service and I am confident she will be an asset to the agency."

Aurelia Pucinski has two decades of experience in public service, including 12 years as Clerk of the Court of Cook County. As Cook County Circuit Clerk from 1988 until 2000, she managed one of the nation's largest and most complex court systems. She has also served as a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Cook County, Regional Counsel for the Small Business Administration and as an Assistant Corporation Counsel at the City of Chicago. The salary for the position of Director of the Department of Professional Regulation is $105,366 and is set by law.

Governor Ryan appointed Leonard Sherman in January 1999, and his resignation is effective July 31, 2002. Sherman is leaving the Department of Professional Regulation to spend more time with his family. He and his wife, Sarah Vega the Director of the Department of Financial Institutions, are the parents of twin six-year old daughters.