Gov. Pritzker Announces Two 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
June 7, 2024
Commission on Equity and Inclusion
Van Austin will serve as a Member of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.* Austin has over a decade of public and private procurement experience. He most recently served as an Agency Procurement Officer with the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT). While in this role, Austin served as the principal policy-formulating administrator for DoIT’s procurement operations. Prior to joining DoIT, Austin served as an Agency Procurement Officer with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and was a Policy Advisor for the Chief Procurement Officer for the Capital Development Board. Austin received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board
Catina Rupert will serve as a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board.* Rupert has over 25 years of State civil and community focused service, currently serving as the first African American Internal Security Investigator II for the Illinois Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General in St. Clair County. Rupert worked for 11 years as a Human Services Caseworker and ensured children and economically disadvantaged families received quality health care, financial assistance, and job readiness skills. Rupert previously served as a Correctional Officer for 10 years for the Illinois Department of Corrections, working on the Crisis Intervention, Employee Recruitment, and Tactical Teams. Rupert is the founder of Cainos Empowerment Center, (501c3), and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated, and the NAACP. Rupert received an Associate of Arts with honors from Southwestern Illinois College, Bachelor of Art in Criminal Justice Administration from St. Louis University, and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University.
* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
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