CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has hired the state's Chief Information Officer, and made appointments to the Illinois Community College Board, the Capital Development Board, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the Illinois Health Facilities and Review Board, and the Illinois Workforce Investment Board.

Name: Hardik Bhatt

Position: Chief Information Officer

Governor Bruce Rauner has selected Hardik Bhatt to become Illinois' Chief Information Officer (CIO). His experience in the private and public sectors in information technology will help transform Illinois' IT infrastructure so it's more efficient and accessible.

As the state CIO, Bhatt will work with all state agencies to align, utilize and streamline technology usage to fit their business priorities in order to transform services provided by state agencies to their constituents. Bhatt also leads the Bureau of Computer and Communication Services and is responsible for IT infrastructure, service delivery and governance across the state.

Prior to joining the State of Illinois, Bhatt was a Senior Director with Cisco and led the market development function for Internet of Everything for Global Public Sector. As part of that, Bhatt worked with mayors, governors and CIOs to help them extract value by connecting the unconnected public assets like parking spots, trash cans, streetlights, etc. Prior to that, Bhatt led Cisco's Business Development for the Americas for Cisco's Smart and Connected Communities Business.

Bhatt joined Cisco in 2010, after being the Chief Information Officer for the City of Chicago and Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Innovation and Technology for five years. Bhatt also built and led the Smart Chicago program, which is considered a national model for improving access to affordable broadband in the community, while increasing technology awareness, talent and usage.

Bhatt has an MBA from Northwestern and a bachelor's degree in computer science from MS University in Baroda, India. He lives in Chicago.

Name: Cheryl Hyman

Position: Board Member - Illinois Community College Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Chancellor Cheryl Hyman to the Illinois Community College Board. In addition to her work as a community college administrator, she is a graduate of Olive Harvey College, a unit of CCC, bringing a dual perspective to the board.

As chancellor, Hyman has led a reinvention initiative to ensure all CCC students are prepared for further education and careers. Under her tenure, the graduation rate has doubled and enrollment has increased. She has made student success her number-one priority, guiding more than 115,000 students annually.

Prior to her work with CCC, Hyman was the Vice President of Operations Strategy and Business Intelligence at ComEd. She was responsible for the operational strategies of the utility. She started working with ComEd in 1996 and worked her way through the company in a number of different areas including information technology, community and economic development, and government and legislative affairs.

The odds were stacked against Hyman; she grew up in poverty and dropped out of high school at 17. She realized she wanted more out of life, earning her diploma and eventually an associate's degree from Olive Harvey College. She's able to identify with many of the students who come to CCC trying to make a better life for themselves.

Hyman went on to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Illinois Institute of Technology. She holds a master's degree from North Park University and an Executive Masters of Business Administration from Northwestern University. Hyman is also a board member of Complete College America, which is an organization that works to improve college graduation rates. She lives in Chicago.

Name: James Reilly

Position: Chairman - Capital Development Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed former State Representative James Reilly as the Chairman of the Capital Development Board. Reilly brings decades of experience in public sector development.

Reilly is the former CEO of the Metropolitan Planning and Exposition Authority (MPEA), where he oversaw operations and policy. He held the position twice, from 1989-1999 and from 2012-2015. He has overseen the redevelopment of Navy Pier, expansion of McCormick Place and development of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. He also served as a trustee of the MPEA from 2010 to 2012 before his second tenure as CEO.

In between stints at the MPEA, Reilly was a consultant to the hospitality industry at the Reilly Consultant Group. He was also the chairman of the Regional Transit Authority from 2005-2010 and was the CEO of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau from 1999-2004.

Reilly has extensive experience in state government, serving as chief of staff to Governor Jim Edgar from 1994-1995 and for Governor Jim Thompson from 1983 to 1989. He also served in the General Assembly for six years as a state representative.

Reilly earned his bachelor's degree from Illinois College and a law degree from the University of Chicago. He lives in Chicago.

Name: Steven Orlando

Position: Board Member - Capital Development Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Steven Orlando to the Capital Development Board. Orlando brings a marketing and insurance background to the board.

Currently, Orlando is the Vice President of Sales for the Candos Agency, which is an insurance and financial services agency. He has worked for the agency since 2005 and markets health insurance and other benefits to small employers and individuals.

Prior to the Candos Agency, Orlando worked for Heartland Blood Centers as a marketing representative. He assisted churches, businesses and high schools with blood drives by recruiting donor and supplying prizes and gifts. Orlando also worked at Farmers Insurance for nearly three years as a personal lines underwriter.

Orlando earned his bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University. He lives in Plainfield.

Name: Hermene Hartman

Position: Commissioner - Human Rights Commission

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Hermene Hartman to the Human Rights Commission. Hartman is an accomplished communications consultant and founded N'DIGO, which is a weekly newspaper targeted at Chicago's black middle class.

Hartman founded N'DIGO in 1989 to showcase the lifestyles, trends, issues and interests of Chicago's African-American community. It currently has a readership of 500,000 and is distributed across the city. In addition, she also publishes N'DIGO Profiles, which is an annual magazine that presents an ongoing anthology of Black Chicago. It's distributed in the Chicago Tribune and Crain's Chicago Business in March.

Hartman holds a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees from Roosevelt University. She also earned a certificate in business administration from the University of Illinois. Hartman lives in Chicago.

Name: Joel Johnson

Position: Board Member - Health Facilities and Services Review Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Joel Johnson to the Health Facilities and Services Review Board. He has more than 20 years of experience in the health and human services field.

Currently, Johnson is the President and CEO of the Human Resources Development Institute, Inc., a human service organization focusing on behavioral health and substance abuse treatment.

Previously, Johnson was the COO for SOS Children's Villages of Chicago, which is a multi-site, fully accredited, foster care agency that worked to keep sibling groups together while in substitute care. He also was the director of the Midwest region for the Child Welfare League of America and the assistant director of child welfare services for Chicago Commons, which provided leadership to child welfare professionals.

Johnson earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Florida A&M University. He also holds a certificate in non-profit management from the University of Illinois - Chicago. He lives in Chicago.

Name: Marlon McClinton

Position: Board Member - Illinois Workforce Investment Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Marlon McClinton to the Illinois Workforce Investment Board. He brings more than 20 years of experience in business transformation and management to the board.

McClinton is currently the President and CEO of Utilivate Technologies, which provides energy management services, management consulting and professional management services to companies. Prior to that he was the Vice President at Gas Research Institute, where he was responsible for gas operations, and product development for residential, commercial and industrial areas. He led teams that delivered more than 15 hardware and software products to the marketplace on an annual basis.

McClinton is a graduate of Northwestern University, earning a bachelor's degree and master's degree in engineering, as well as an MBA. He lives in Chicago.

Name: Sylvia Wetzel

Position: Board Member - Illinois Workforce Investment Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Sylvia Wetzel to the Illinois Workforce Development Board. She brings 35 years of experience in marketing and business development to the position.

Wetzel is currently the Vice President of Human Capital and Corporate Wellness at Bison Gear and Engineering. She works to develop the company's workforce through education and policy at her company and by advocating for manufacturing careers with the general public. Prior to that she was the Executive Director of Eastgate Manor Assisted/Supportive Living, and transformed the organization in 90 days by turning losses into profits. She has also worked for AT&T Network Systems.

Wetzel is a graduate of Judson College, earning her bachelor's degree in business management and leadership. She lives in Elgin.

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois State University Board of Trustees and the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board.

Name: Robert Dobski

Position: Board of Trustees - Illinois State University

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Robert Dobski to the Illinois State University Board of Trustees. Dobski is a former member of the board and is currently a member of ISU's Foundation Board.

Dobski is the owner and operator of McDonald's franchises in central Illinois. In addition, he's held a number of leadership positions within the corporation and on the Ronald McDonald House Charities. As a franchise owner, he understands the importance of running day-to-day operations while implementing a long-term strategic plan.

Dobski is a graduate of DePaul University. He lives in Bloomington.

Name: Mary Ann Louderback

Position: Board of Trustees - Illinois State University

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Mary Ann Louderback to the Board of Trustees at Illinois State University. Louderback is a three-time ISU alumnus and has extensive experience in education policy, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the board.

Louderback has worked for students in the State of Illinois for more than 20 years in a variety of positions. Most recently, she was a commissioner on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which helps make college more accessible and affordable to Illinois families. She also served for seven years on the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. Prior to that she was a senior policy adviser on education to Governor Edgar, and was the governor's liaison to higher education across the state.

Louderback started her career in education as a fifth grade science teacher in the Dwight Elementary School District. She also taught seventh and eighth graders in the Cook County School District #99.

Louderback earned a bachelor's degree, master's degree and Ph.D. in education from Illinois State University. She lives in Cary.

Name: J. Bradley Burzynski

Position: Member - Health Facilities and Services Review Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed former Illinois State Senator J. Bradley Burzynski to the Health Facilities and Services Review Board. As a long-time advocate for increasing rural health options, Burzynski will bring a valuable perspective to the board.

Burzynski served the people of north central Illinois as a member of the House of Representatives from 1990 to 1993, and was elected state senator and served from 1993 to 2011. He served as the assistant minority leader of the Illinois Senate. He is also the former minority spokesman for the Licensed Activities Committee, which regulates physicians, nurses and other health professionals.

Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Burzynski worked for the DeKalb County Farm Bureau as the Governmental Affairs Director, and the Clinton County Farm Bureau as the Farm Bureau Manager.

Burzynski graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University. He lives in Rochelle.

###

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following three bills into law:

House File 488: An Act relating to the programs of the Iowa commission on volunteer service by establishing an Iowa reading corps and specifying uses of funds.

Senate File 267: An Act relating to privileged communications between certain peer support group counselors and officers.

Senate File 426: An Act relating to privileged communications between health care provider or health facility and a patient following an adverse health care incident.

A photo of the governor signing House File 488 today can be downloaded here. The photo can be attributed to the Governor's Office.

###

CHICAGO - Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is among the 2015 Paul Simon Award honorees from at the Illinois Hunger Coalition 13^th Annual Paul Simon Award Dinner.

"I am humbled to accept the Paul Simon Award. Mr. Simon was a good and faithful public servant for all of Illinois," Frerichs said. "There are many paths in our mission to end hunger and each includes paying workers a decent wage so we can rebuild working class families and lift up those who want to better themselves."

In addition to Frerichs, Paul Simon Award honorees include Illinois state senator Kimberly Lightford and Keith Kelleher, President of SEIU Healthcare IL-IN. The award dinner was Thursday evening in Chicago.

The Illinois Hunger Coalition is an advocacy leader that seeks to alleviate and end hunger and the underlying causes through community organizing, advocating for progressive public policies, and public education. It is a 501 (c)(3) organization that accepts tax-deductible donations.

Know someone who is hungry? The Illinois Hunger Coalition's Hunger Hotline in Illinois is 800.359.2163.

The Illinois Treasurer is the state's chief investment officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. He protects consumers by encouraging savings plans for colleges and trade schools, increasing financial education among all ages and removing barriers to home ownership and a secured retirement. The $27 billion investment portfolio includes $5 billion on behalf of local and state government units and $7 billion in savings for college or trade school. The investment approach is conservative to ensure the safety of principal. Funds also are invested in support of community development efforts. The Treasurer's office predates Illinois' incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 voted to make it an elected office.