Gov. Pritzker Announces One Appointment to Boards and Commissions
Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointment in his administration
August 7, 2026
Central Illinois Economic Development Authority
Nicole Bateman will serve as a Member of the Central Illinois Economic Development Authority.* Bateman currently serves as President of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County as well as Chief Strategy Officer of the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Tech Hub. In these roles, she is responsible for promoting the region for growth through new business developments and expansions. Previously, Bateman served as Executive Director of Midwest Inland Port and the Children’s Museum of Illinois. Active in her community, Bateman currently serves as a member of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, the Illinois Economic Development Association Board of Directors, and the Decatur Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. Bateman earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Environmental Communications and Education from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
* Appointment pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
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