Gov. Pritzker Announces Two Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Governors State University Board of Trustees

Frances Pao-Han Kao will serve as a Member of the Governors State University Board of Trustees.* Pao-Han Kao has over three decades of experience in international arbitration, complex commercial disputes, and private mediations. She currently serves as an independent arbitrator and mediator, acting as a neutral party in private mediations and arbitrations, with a focus on franchising issues and real estate disputes. In addition to her work in dispute resolution, she serves on the Board of Directors for the City Club of Chicago. Pao-Han Kao earned a Bachelor of Special Studies in History from Cornell College and a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Judith Mitchell will serve as a Member of the Governors State University Board of Trustees.* Dr. Mitchell has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in higher education. She served as Interim President of Joliet Junior College in 2016 before being unanimously appointed as the college’s ninth president. As President, Dr. Mitchell was a national presenter at the 2021 AAACC Future Leaders Institute, where she focused on bridging the equity gap in community colleges. Additionally, Dr. Mitchell founded Judy Mitchell Consulting, a successful consulting firm dedicated to supporting community colleges. Previously, she held roles as Vice President of Administrative Services, Treasurer, and Director of Business and Auxiliary Services at Joliet Junior College. Dr. Mitchell earned associate degrees in Microcomputers for Business and Computer Programming from Joliet Junior College, a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Technology and Master of Business Administration from Governors State University, and a Doctor of Education from National-Louis University.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

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