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
May 1, 2026
Educational Labor Relations Board
Lara Shayne will continue to serve as Chair of the Educational Labor Relations Board.* Shayne currently serves as Chair and full-time Member of the Educational Labor Relations Board. Previously, Shayne served as Senior Manager of Labor Relations and General Counsel at the Chicago Board of Education. Earlier in her career, Shayne served as Assistant Corporation Counsel at the City of Chicago Department of Law. In her personal capacity, she previously served as Co-Chair of the Parent’s Association and as Member of the Francis W. Parker School Board of Trustees. Shayne earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Michigan and her Juris Doctorate from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Shayne’s appointment is effective June 2, 2026.
Illinois Pollution Control Board
Michelle Gibson will serve as Chair of the Illinois Pollution Control Board.* Gibson currently serves as Member of the Illinois Pollution Control Board, a position she’s held since her appointment in 2021. Previously, Gibson served as Environmental Health Supervisor and Inspector with the Boone County Health Department. There, she supervised a team that enforced clean water standards. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she led the enforcement efforts to strictly adhere to health and sanitation guidelines set forth by the Pritzker Administration, helping to considerably lower transmission rates in Boone County. Before that, Gibson served as Environmental Specialist with the DeKalb County Health Department, managing the county’s solid waste program. Gibson earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Illinois State University.
Labor Advisory Board
Jerry Womick will continue to serve as a Member of the Labor Advisory Board.* Womick currently serves as Business Manager at Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local Union 773. There, he negotiates contracts, grievances, and assists in arbitration. Previously, Womick served as Assistant Business Manager and Field Representative at LIUNA Local 773 and worked in maintenance at Southern Illinois University. In 2020, Womick received the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Award of Excellence for addressing food insecurity in his community. Womick earned his Associate’s degree from John A. Logan College.
* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
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