Program advances excellence in public service leadership

SPRINGFIELD - On January 28, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker and the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) announced the participants selected for the 2025 cohort of the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.) program. The highly competitive program serves as a professional development opportunity for mid-level leaders across State government, reaffirming Illinois' commitment to long-term operational success. Governor Pritzker joined the cohort virtually and shared words of support.

"There are talented, dedicated public servants with limitless potential in every office of every agency across the state. If we're going to serve the citizens of Illinois effectively, maximize our efficiency and productivity, and cultivate a happy work environment, we need to invest in them," said Governor JB Pritzker. "To this year's participants: you have an incredible opportunity ahead of you. But with it comes a lot of responsibility: a responsibility to your cohort members to make this a dynamic and collaborative environment; a responsibility to the people of Illinois to serve their interests; and a responsibility to yourselves to soak up all the lessons you can. I have no doubt you all are up to the challenge."

The 2025 cohort includes 32 participants from 21 different State agencies and boards. Through G.O.A.L., members of the program will focus on developing leadership skills, expanding professional networks, and fostering cross-agency collaboration. The comprehensive 11-month program will offer an in-person and virtual session each month, alternating between Chicago and Springfield.

"The G.O.A.L. program is a shining example of Illinois' commitment to the professional development of rising leaders within the State's workforce," said Raven A. DeVaughn, Director of CMS. "Over the next 11 months, these participants will build critical skills in leadership and collaboration, while also providing innovative solutions to real challenges agencies are experiencing across the State."

The individuals selected for this year's cohort were chosen from hundreds of applicants by a panel of evaluators from multiple State agencies. These leaders represent a diverse range of departments and bring a shared commitment to advancing public service within Illinois State government. The 2025 cohort includes:

• Tricia Bennett, Illinois Department of Revenue

• Vaughn Bentley, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

• Adam Bourdette, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology

• Sunshine Clemons, Illinois Department of Public Health

• Michelle Curby, Illinois Department of Agriculture

• Patricia Dominguez, Illinois Gaming Board

• Jesus ("Jesse") Escarpita, Illinois Department of Human Services

• Michelle Evans, Illinois Department of Human Services

• Natalie Gilbert, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

• MaCassa Johnson, Illinois Department of Central Management Services

• Russell Krug, Illinois Department of Agriculture

• Alda Leavy-Skinner, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

• Carmen Lebron, Illinois Department of Human Services

• Amanda Lerch, Illinois Department of Human Services

• Anggi Lewis, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

• Kelsey Lock, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

• Manuel Lopez, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

• Kajanda Love, Illinois Department of Central Management Services

• Rebecca Mendoza, Illinois Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

• Jacqueline Pesenko, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

• Leticia Pickens, Illinois Governor's Office of Management and Budget

• Jakub Piechnik, Illinois Department of Employment Security

• Mohammed Rahman, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

• Jeff Rath, Illinois State Fire Marshall

• Melissa Reyes, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

• Rhea Rucker, Illinois Office of the Governor

• Urszula "Ula" Rzepien, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

• Megan Seitzinger, Illinois Commerce Commission 

• Madison Sergent, Illinois Emergency Management Agency - Office of Homeland Security

• Robert Van Bebber, Illinois Department of Public Health

• Micaela Vidaña, Illinois Capital Development Board

• Warren Wilke, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology

For more information about the G.O.A.L. program, visit www.illinois.gov/goal.