The Third Cohort of the Governor’s Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.)

Program advances excellence in public service leadership

The Third Cohort of the Governor’s Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.)

Program advances excellence in public service leadership

SPRINGFIELD — The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and Governor JB Pritzker 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.

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.


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