Gov. Pritzker Announces Seven Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Central Midwest Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission

Shih-Yew Chen will serve as a Member of the Central Midwest Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission.* Dr. Chen is a Certified Health Physicist and Fellow of the Health Physics Society with over 40 years of experience in radiation health and safety. Before retiring in 2022, he directed the Health Physics Master's Program at the Illinois Institute of Technology for a decade and spent over 25 years at Argonne National Laboratory managing nuclear research projects, including the environmental cleanup of former nuclear sites and the management of radioactive wastes. He collaborated with federal agencies like the Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and served on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board and Radiation Advisory Committee. A renowned expert in radiation, Dr. Chen is a Distinguished Emeritus Member of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, where he served as Scientific Vice President and chaired several committees. Dr. Chen earned his Bachelor of Science from National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, and a Master's and Doctorate in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Employment Security Board of Review

Anthony Beach will continue to serve as a Member of the Employment Security Board of Review.* Beach is a hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience within hotel operations, specializing in managerial roles across various hotel chains. He currently serves as the Complex General Manager at Pyramid Global Hospitality. Previously, he spent 10 years at Olympia Hospitality, where he was the General Manager of Sophy Hotel, overseeing operations, capital budgets, and the opening of Hyde Park’s first full-service hotel. Beach earned an Associate Degree in Business Management from South Suburban College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

Lamarcus Williams will continue to serve as a Member of the Employment Security Board of Review.* Williams is a prominent labor leader and skilled tradesman with a proven track record of advocacy and leadership. Since 2020, he has served as President of the Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly, representing over 13,000 union members and advancing workers’ rights across various industries. Previously, he was President of United Steelworkers Local 193G, where he led efforts to support employees at Fuyao Glass in Mt. Zion, Illinois. In addition to his leadership roles, Williams is an apprentice wireman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 146 in Decatur, bringing hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by trade workers.

Teresa Ramirez will continue to serve as a Member of the Employment Security Board of Review.* Ramirez brings over 20 years of experience as an advocate for workers throughout Illinois. As an Officer of Local 881 UFCW, she serves as Recorder and Director of Organizing, representing over 34,000 retail and grocery members and bringing vital union protections to cannabis workers in the state. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including administrative, membership services, and union representation.

Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Review Board

Jordan Campanella will continue to serve as a Member of the Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Review Board.* Campanella is an accomplished attorney with over a decade of experience in federal criminal defense and general legal practice. His legal experience includes completing a two-week federal criminal jury trial and serving as a Federal Public Defender on the CJA panel for the Southern District of Illinois since 2017. In addition, he is also a part-time Public Defender of Perry County. Beyond his legal practice, Campanella serves on the Board of Directors for the Du Quoin State Bank and Five Star Industries. Campanella earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University and a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law.

Illinois Racing Board

Julie Ullrich will serve as a Member of the Illinois Racing Board.* Ullrich is a results-oriented business development professional currently serving as the Catering and Special Events Sales Manager with Lettuce Entertain You. In this role, she has consistently increased sales through strategic prospecting and customer retention initiatives. Previously, Ullrich worked for Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Racing Commission. Ullrich earned a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University.

State Board of Health

Damon Arnold will continue to serve as a Member of the State Board of Health.* Dr. Arnold is a decorated Army veteran with over 30 years of experience practicing medicine and providing strong medical leadership. He served as the Medical Director of Blue Cross Blue Shield and U.S. Health Works and was Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Chicago State University. He also served as an adjunct professor at University of Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois School of Public Health, and Southern Illinois University College of Medicine. During his military career, Dr. Arnold earned Army Flight Surgeon wings and supported the 106^th Aviation Blackhawk Helicopter Unit of the Illinois Army National Guard. He was also the Medical Officer in Charge of the Illinois Army National Guard’s medical response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Dr. Arnold earned a Bachelor of Science from Howard University, a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois, a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master of Science in Threat Response Management from the University of Chicago.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

###