Gov. Pritzker Announces Three Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Prisoner Review Board

Melissa Brandenburg will serve as Executive Director of the Prisoner Review Board.* Brandenburg currently serves as Chief of Staff of the Prisoner Review Board, where she provides direction and oversight to staff engaged in executing and fulfilling the Board’s statutory functions. Previously, she served as Supervising Investigator with the Office of Executive Inspector General. In this role, Brandenburg led and later supervised confidential investigations aimed at combating fraud, waste, and abuse in State government. Brandenburg began her professional career in the field of criminal justice, serving as Probation Officer in Christian and Vermilion Counties. While at Christian County Probation, Brandenburg helped implement and facilitate the county’s first Adult Drug Court Treatment Program. Brandenburg earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from Greenville University and her Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Loyola University.

Illinois Workforce Innovation Board

Lazaro Lopez will serve as a Member of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board.* Lopez currently serves as Senior Director of Pathways at Northern Illinois University’s Education Systems Center, where he collaborates with states and national partners to design and implement career-connected learning systems that expand opportunities for every learner. Previously, Lopez served as Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at High School District 214 in Arlington Heights. As Associate Superintendent, Lopez led the effort to integrate STEM, 21st-century skills, and career pathways into the curriculum. Lopez earned his Associate of Arts in Teacher Education from College of DuPage, Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and English Education from Illinois State University, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change from Roosevelt University, and Doctor of Education in Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction from Aurora University.

Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees

James Hayes will serve as a Member of the Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees.* Hayes currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at property and financial services company Draper and Kramer, Incorporated. In this role, Hayes is responsible for the overall financial management of the company. Previously, Hayes served as Senior Vice President of Baytree National Bank and Trust Company, a wholesale mortgage company and consumer finance firm. Prior to his role at Baytree, Hayes served as Senior Vice President, Head of Finance, Treasurer, Mergers and Acquisitions at mortgage originator Prism Mortgage Company, later acquired by Royal Bank of Canada. Hayes earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from Northern Illinois University and his Master of Business Administration from University of Chicago.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate. ​ ​

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