Gov. Pritzker Announces Four Appointments to Agencies, Boards and Commissions

Illinois Department of Agriculture

Kristi Jones will serve as the Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.* Jones currently serves as Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Previously, she served the Department as Communications Director, Division Manager of Food Safety and Animal Protection, Division Manager of Natural Resources, and Assistant State Fair Manager. Throughout her service, Jones has been a fierce advocate for agriculture, working with agricultural stakeholders and the General Assembly to build a field veterinarian network through the State, investing in underserved farmers and local food infrastructure, and telling the story of Illinois' agriculture industry through the promotion of Illinois products in domestic and international markets. Earlier in her career, Jones spent four years as Management Consultant for Kerber, Eck, and Braeckel with a focus on the implementation of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in Illinois. She began her career in Illinois government as a James H. Dunn Fellow and served as a legislative aide to the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff of Legislative Affairs. Jones earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications and Advertising from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her Master of Public Administration from University of Illinois Springfield.

Havana Regional Port District

Robert Martin will continue to serve as a Member of the Havana Regional Port District.* Martin retired in 2024 after 51 years as Owner and Publisher of the Fulton Democrat and the Mason County Democrat papers. Since 2018, Martin has served as Chairman of the Havana Regional Port District, overseeing the development of the Havana Airport with the construction of hangars, pavement, and airfield lighting. Beyond his publishing business and service as Chairman, Martin has long been active in his community, including two terms as President of the Havana Rotary Club, 45 years as Member of the Havana Chamber of Commerce with service in all offices, and two years as President of the Havana Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1420. Martin earned his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts Studies from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Illinois Board of Higher Education

Dr. Donn Mendoza will serve as a Member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.* Mendoza currently serves as Superintendent of Round Lake Area School District 116, where he oversees academic programming, financial operations, and the success of more than 6,000 students. Previously, Mendoza served as Deputy Superintendent and High School Principal in Round Lake, and he previously held superintendent and principal roles in Crystal Lake, Barrington, and Carpentersville. His career reflects a deep commitment to strategic planning, instructional improvement, collaborative labor relations, and community engagement. Mendoza earned his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Judson College, his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, and his Doctor of Education from Northern Illinois University.

State Board of Health

Dr. Brianne Hobbs will serve as a Member of the State Board of Health* Hobbs currently serves as Dean and Professor at Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Optometry. Previously, Hobbs held a clinical leadership role within the Salisbury Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, where she helped oversee one of the largest optometry services in the Department of Veterans Affairs. She also served as Director of Exam Innovation for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, overseeing licensure examination development and assessment standards. Hobbs also served as Associate Dean of Academics at High Point University’s School of Optometry, contributing to the development of a new optometry program. She is part of the American Optometric Association and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Hobbs earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Harding University, her Doctor of Optometry from University of Missouri St. Louis’ College of Optometry, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Management and Leadership from Robert Morris University.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

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