Governor Quinn Announces Key Appointments

CHICAGO - March 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced several top appointments to his executive cabinet. Today's actions are the latest in a series of appointments Governor Quinn will make as he continues to fulfill his commitment to creating jobs, economic development and increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government.

Governor Quinn has named Hiram Grau as director of the Illinois State Police and Joe Costigan as director of the Department of Labor. Governor Quinn also re-appointed Larry Matkaitis as Illinois State Fire Marshal and named John Schomberg as general counsel for the Governor's Office.

"Hiram Grau and Joe Costigan have devoted their careers to service and the people of Illinois. I am confident that their strong leadership will greatly enhance the programs and services these departments provide," said Governor Quinn. "I am also thankful for the dedication and leadership shown by Larry Matkaitis and John Schomberg, and I look forward to our continued work on behalf of the people of Illinois."

As deputy chief of investigations for the Cook County State's Attorney's office, Hiram Grau partnered with other branches of Illinois law enforcement to ensure public safety in Cook County. Previously, he served 27 years in the Chicago Police Department, rising from beat cop to deputy superintendent for the Bureau of Investigative Services. In addition to receiving numerous law enforcement commendations and management training certifications, he is a decorated Vietnam War Veteran. Grau earned his MBA from St. Xavier University in 2003.

Joe Costigan is the current Chicago secretary-treasurer of Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union. As an elected officer, Costigan has negotiated contracts between the union and employers, led efforts to save jobs at Chicago-based Hartmarx, and he has represented the interests of workers across the state. Costigan is also a past vice president of the Illinois State AFL-CIO, and was on the staff of former Illinois House Speaker William Redmond.

Larry Matkaitis was appointed as the State Fire Marshal in January 2010 after spending more than three decades with the Chicago Fire Department. Matkaitis began his career as a paramedic, and rose to chief paramedic before becoming assistant deputy fire commissioner for emergency medical operations. He has supervised numerous training programs for first responders and hazardous materials incidents. He is also a member of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force.

John Schomberg has served as acting general counsel since May 2010. In addition to providing advice and counsel to Governor Quinn and other top administration officials, Schomberg also oversees the legal staffs for state agencies, boards and commissions.