Governor Blagojevich names new head of Division of Banking

CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the appointment of Jorge Solis as the new director of the Illinois Division of Banking, within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  Solis will oversee the division responsible for regulating the banking and residential mortgage industries.

Solis has more than 30 years of experience as a banker and most recently worked as a Senior Vice President at LaSalle Bank in Chicago.  In that capacity he focused on providing all aspects of commercial banking for middle-market companies with specific emphasis on non-profit organizations and Hispanic-owned, privately-held entities.

"Jorge's exceptional financial and commercial experience will be a tremendous asset to the state as we work to make sure the lending industry in Illinois is focused on he needs and rights of consumers," said the Governor.

Solis lives in Chicago with his wife and is a member of the boards of directors of the University of Chicago Hospitals and Health System, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, The Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Public Library Foundation, Lawson House YMCA, U. S./Mexico Chamber of Commerce, and Luna Negra Dance Theatre.

Solis earned his MBA from the University of Detroit in 1975 with a concentration in finance after receiving a B.S. in Accounting from the same school.  His appointment became effective on May 14, and requires Senate confirmation.