Gov. Pritzker Announces Four Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

Mariel Hamer-Sinclair will continue to serve as a Member of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission.* Hamer-Sinclair currently serves as Associate Director of Program and Policy with the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, where she plays a key role in evaluating and addressing policy and funding issues that affect the disabled community in Illinois. Previously, Hamer-Sinclair served as Transition Manager with Chicago Public Schools and as Community Work Incentive Coordinator with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program. Hamer-Sinclair earned her Bachelor of Science from Kentucky Wesleyan College and her Master of Arts in Human Service Administration from University of Illinois Springfield.

Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Advisory Committee

Melissa Shepherd will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Advisory Committee.* Shepherd currently serves as Managing Member and Agent with Way Insurance Services, LLC of Galesburg. Shepherd has over 25 years of experience as an independent broker, specializing in health insurance products for consumers of all ages. Shepherd is currently Co-Legislative Chair for the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Benefit and Insurance Professionals. Shepherd was awarded the Five over 40 Award by the Galesburg Chamber of Commerce in 2024 in recognition of her professional achievements. Shepherd earned her high school diploma from Galesburg High School.

Illinois State Museum Board

Wanza Davis will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Museum Board.* Davis most recently served as Assistant Principal of Lincoln Magnet School, retiring from her role in 2009 and capping a rich 34-year career with Springfield School District 186. Previously, Davis served as Dean at Lincoln Magnet School, Dean at Grant Middle School, and as Instructor at Lanphier High School. Davis is an active member of her community, volunteering with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach of Springfield. Davis earned her undergraduate degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and her Master’s degree from Sangamon State University, now University of Illinois Springfield.

Public Administrator and Public Guardian

Madison Christine Mullady Gray will serve as Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Fayette County.* Gray is currently Associate at Lawinger and Jacob, LLC in Vandalia, where she specializes in family, estate, probate, and criminal law. Previously, Gray served as Assistant States Attorney for Marion County, Associate with Orr Law, LLC, and as Associate with the Law Offices of Winter-Black and Baker. Gray earned her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of La

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

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