CHICAGO -- Governor Bruce Rauner has selected George Sheldon, 67, as the next Director of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Sheldon was responsible for the turnaround of Florida's equivalent to DCFS and has been recognized nationally for his work.

Sheldon was the Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families from 2008-2011. When he began working for the agency, it was referred to as "the troubled Department of Children and Families." Three years later, a gubernatorial transition report called it the best-run agency in the state. Sheldon expertly weathered $200 million in budget reductions without cutting staff or disrupting services to citizens. He was responsible for a $3 billion budget and workforce of 13,000 employees. Prior to his work as Secretary, he also worked as an Assistant Secretary for Operations.

Most recently, Sheldon worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. President Obama appointed him as the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a position he held for more than two years until November 2013. At ACF he was responsible for strengthening the agency's focus on early-childhood education, finding better ways to support children in foster care, and led the first nationwide strategic plan for victims of human trafficking.

Sheldon was a practicing attorney before his work with child and family welfare, working in private practice and for the Florida Attorney General as a Deputy Attorney General for Central Florida. Sheldon was also a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1974 to 1982. Sheldon earned his bachelor's degree and law degree from Florida State University.

Experience

·         Administration for Children and Families - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Acting Assistant Secretary (2011-2013)

·         Florida Department of Children and Families

o   Secretary (2008-2011)

o   Assistant Secretary for Operations (2007-2008)

·         St. Thomas University School of Law, Associate Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs (2003-2007)

·         Stiles, Taylor & Grace, Of Counsel (2002-2003)

·         Office of the Attorney General - Florida, Deputy Attorney General for Central Florida (1999-2002)

·         Sheldon & Cusick, Associates, Managing Partner (1987-1999)

·         Levin, Freedman, Hirsch & Levinson, Of Counsel (1983-1987)

·         Florida House of Representatives, Member (1974-1982)

Professional and Community Activities

·         American Public Human Services Association, Member - National Board of Directors

·         Florida State Employees Charitable Campaign, Co-Chair

·         Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, Member

·         Governor's Economic Recovery Task Force, Chair of Claims Workgroup

·         Florida Human Trafficking Task Force, Co-Chair

Education

·         Florida State University, J.D. (1978)

·         Florida State University, B.A. (1969)

Personal Life

·         Age: 67

·         Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.

Sanguinetti to chair task force

ELMHURST - Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner today signed Executive Order 15-15 creating the Local Government Consolidation and Unfunded Mandate Task force.  Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti will chair the task force, which is charged with finding efficiencies and encouraging streamlining of local government functions.

"Illinois leads the nation with nearly 7,000 units of local government," Rauner said. "Many of these unnecessary layers of government are why hardworking families end up paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation."

Task force members will be appointed by the Governor, and include representatives of units of local government, school districts, and the General Assembly from throughout Illinois.

The task force is required to submit its findings to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2015, upon which time it will be dissolved.

Governor Rauner was joined today by DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, whose ACT Initiative is saving DuPage County millions of dollars throughout the next 20 years.

"We need to lessen the burden of unfunded mandates imposed by the state on local governments while also encouraging streamlining of local government functions in order to save taxpayers money," Rauner added.

"America's Got Talent" Finalist Joseph Hall's Elvis Rock 'N' Remember Returns to the CCPA February 21

Joseph Hall is absolutely thrilled to bring his unforgettable Elvis Rock 'N' Remember tribute show back to the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 21 at 7:30pm.  Tickets are available at Coralvillearts.org, by phone at 319.248.9370, and in person at the CCPA box office and Coralville Rec Center.

This fast-paced production explores the roots of Elvis Presley and caters to both the young and the young at heart.  With the look, the voice, the charm, and the vulnerability of a young Elvis, Joseph Hall's got the moves that take us back to a time when parents were flabbergasted by Presley's flauntingly provocative hip action.  Elvis Rock 'N' Remember achieves a complete and powerful flashback experience, recalling the time when fans first fell in love with the talented, handsome, carefree, energetic, high-spirited young man that was Elvis Presley.  The show is masterfully produced with a mixture of Elvis hits (from rock'n'roll to country to gospel), stage props, multiple costume changes, and a heartfelt tribute to our veterans.  He's even got the teddy bears and scarves to woo the ladies.  A must see for all ages!

Born in 1984, Joseph Hall has been paying tribute to the legacy of Elvis Presley since 2006.  He was one of the top 10 finalists on NBC's America's Got Talent in 2008.  Sharon Osbourne was impressed enough to tell him, "I've got shoes older than you, but I'd like to try you on!" and Piers Morgan said, "ELVIS IS BACK!"  Hall has performed all over the world from Las Vegas to Wales and has won accolades including the "Spirit of Elvis" award.  He has worked with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Legends in Concert, and has officially been recognized as one of the top tribute artists in the world today.  Hall currently resides in Branson, Missouri with his family.