Gov. Pritzker Announces One Executive Appointment
Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointment in his administration
August 18, 2025
Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
Karima Douglas will continue to serve as Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.* Focused on juvenile justice policy, equity, systemic reform, and direct advocacy, Douglas first joined the Ombudsperson’s Office as Deputy Ombudsperson in August 2017, transitioning to Ombudsperson in 2021. In this role, she advocates for the young people committed to IDJJ and all county-operated juvenile detention centers in Illinois. Previously, Douglas served as Juvenile Justice Project Director for Illinois Collaboration on Youth. There, she supported the work of the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission and acted as the statewide coordinator for addressing the racial and ethnic disparities pervasive across the juvenile justice system. Douglas earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Florida and her Juris Doctorate from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
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