Mica Matsoff to Oversee State Communication Operations; Ashley Cross Heads to Department of Juvenile Justice
SPRINGFIELD - January 4, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Mica Matsoff will join the Governor's Office as the new director of communications. She will work closely with the Governor and senior-level staff as the Quinn Administration begins a new term of office. Matsoff will replace Director of Communications Ashley Cross, who will leave the Governor's Office at the end of the current term to become the chief of staff at the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.
"Mica Matsoff has become one of my most valued advisors, and I am confident that her experience in strategic communications will help us take our office to the next level," said Governor Quinn. "I would also like to thank Ashley Cross for her tireless work and dedication. I respect her desire to embark down a new path, and I look forward to her continued service with some of the state's most vulnerable young people."
As director of communications, Matsoff will be a key advisor to Governor Quinn, planning and overseeing the execution of the administration's internal and external communications. She will work closely with senior members of the Governor's staff and cabinet as they develop policies that impact the people of Illinois.
Matsoff earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has experience working in both the public and private sectors. She has vast expertise in strategic communications, crisis management and public relations.
Previously Matsoff worked as the director of communications at Quinn for Illinois where she managed all press operations. She also served as the director of public relations for Chicago 2016, Chicago's Olympic and Paralympic Games bid. She returns to state government after previously working as a spokesperson for the Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Employment Security. Prior to that, she spent several years at the public relations firm Edelman.
Cross has been with the Governor's Office since March 2009 and was named director of communications in July. Previously, she served as the director of communications for DCEO. She earned her bachelor's degree from Butler University and a master's degree in nonprofit administration from North Park University. During her time in the Governor's Office, Cross served as an advisor on issues related to the state's juvenile justice program and has become an advocate for youths in the system.
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