Gov. Pritzker Announces Three Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration
March 2, 2026
Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission
Destini Lednicky will serve as a Member of the Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission.* Lednicky currently serves as Housing Director for the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA). In this role, Lednicky leads SWIDA’s efforts to promote and create affordable housing opportunities for the people of Bond, Clinton, Madison and St. Clair counties. Previously, Lednicky served as Housing Manager with the Justine Peterson Housing and Reinvestment Corporation. Lednicky earned her Associate of Science from Lewis and Clark Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Illinois State Museum Board
Dr. Jonah Rice will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Museum Board.* Rice retired in 2024 as President of Southeastern Illinois College, where his leadership earned multiple national Aspen nominations for excellence in education. He has also served as Chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents and as Member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Strategic Planning Committee. In 2019, he was honored with the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Advocacy Award. Rice has also taught at various universities and did peer review work for the Higher Learning Commission in Chicago. Rice is involved in consulting and the arts, currently serving on the Ella Elizabeth Hise Regional Art Museum Board and the Southeastern Illinois College Foundation Board. Rice earned his Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Speech and English from Southeastern Illinois College, his Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from Bradley University, his Master of Arts in Interpersonal and Public Communication from Central Michigan University, and his Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies from Regent University.
Public Administrator and Public Guardian
George Weller will continue to serve as Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Vermilion County.* Weller currently operates his real estate firm, George R. Weller and Associates, in Danville. A Licensed Real Estate Managing Broker, Weller possesses over 50 years of experience in real estate. Weller earned his high school diploma.
* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
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