Gov. Pritzker Announces Four Appointments to Boards and Commissions ​

Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes

Christopher Swims will serve as a member of the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes.* Swims is a dedicated community leader, educator, and advocate. As a small business advisor for the Illinois Economic Empowerment Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he provides tailored support to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and small businesses. Swims also helps lead Jackson CEO, an entrepreneurship program that equips youth from underserved communities with opportunities and resources. Alongside his work in advancing equity in economic development, Swims serves as a pastor and as a substitute teacher in Carbondale Elementary School District #95. Swims earned a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Illinois State Board of Elections

Casandra Watson will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Board of Elections.* Watson brings extensive legal experience in government, having served as an Administrative Law Judge for both the Cook County and City of Chicago Departments of Administrative Hearings. She has also chaired suburban municipal electoral boards and worked as an examiner for the Chicago Board of Elections. Watson earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois Chicago and a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law.

Catherine McCrory Rossmiller will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Board of Elections.* Since 2004, Rossmiller has led her own legal practice as the sole practitioner. Previously, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney's Office. McCrory earned a dual Bachelor of Arts in History and Psychology from Saint Mary's College and a Juris Doctor from the John Marshall Law School.

Rick Terven, Sr. will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Board of Elections.* Terven has served on the Illinois State Board of Elections since 2021, bringing decades of leadership. He previously served as Executive Vice President of the United Association (UA) of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, where he was a key liaison to government agencies, industry groups, and labor organizations. Over his career, Terven held multiple senior roles with the UA, including Director of Legislative and Political Affairs and National Communications and Marketing. Earlier, as Executive Director of the Illinois Pipe Trades Association and Business Manager of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local Union 99, he championed organizing efforts across Illinois. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Terven has also been deeply involved in community service, supporting initiatives like United Way, Special Olympics, and the UA Veterans in Piping program.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

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