Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has appointed a new chief of staff.
According to a statement from the Office of the Governor, on Friday, September 6, 2013, Ryan Croke, the previous deputy chief of staff, was named as the governor’s chief of staff.
“Ryan Croke knows Illinois like the back of his hand and has played a critical role in my administration since the day I took office,” said Quinn.
Working as deputy chief of staff, Croke had a hand in public safety, economic development, served as a senior advisor to Quinn, and worked with the governor’s cabinet. Having been in that role since 2009, Croke oversaw many state agencies including Illinois State Police, the Department of Natural Resources and agriculture, and the Emergency Management Agency.
“Ryan is a strong leader with the right vision and energy to manage the operations of state government and get things done for the people of Illinois,” Quinn said.
The previous chief of staff was Jack Lavin, who held the role since 2010 and served in state government for 14 years.
“I thank Jack Lavin for his many years of public service and his hard work to restore fiscal stability, integrity and economic prosperity to Illinois,” Quinn said.
During Lavin’s time as chief of staff, along with other responsibilities, he managed the largest capital construction program in state history, the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program.
Lavin has known Quinn for over 20 years and worked for him when he was State Treasurer. Lavin is returning to the private sector.
