Gov. Pritzker Announces Six Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Press Release

Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration

Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees
Jorge Leon will serve as a Member of the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees.* Jorge Leon is an experienced Partner with Michael Best & Friedrich LLP where he advises clients on varied areas of law including hospitality, financial services, and higher education. Leon currently serves as Co-Leader of Employee Benefits and is Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. As Partner he has been hired as outside general counsel to lead higher education institutions and has experience advising and designing administration on retirement, health and welfare. Leon is an active member in his community as he is a Trustee and Chair of the Retirement and Benefits Committee at the Field Museum. Similarly, he is the Vice President of the Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Personnel Committee at Gads Hill Center. Leon has been honored for his many contributions include being named a Notable Nonprofit Board Leader, Notable Gen X Leader in Accounting, Consulting and Law, and a Notable LGBTQ Executive by Crain's Chicago Business. Jorge Leon received a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois.

State Employees Retirement System

Mohamad Nasir will serve as a Member of the State Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees.* Mohamad Nasir has a long track record of providing high-level business consultation. He currently serves as the General Manager and Chief Compliance Officer for Allied Asset Advisors. In this role, Nasir advises the Board of Directors of business trends and changes in general market conditions. Preceding his time at Allied Asset Advisors Nasir was the President of Aspire Business Innovation and was the Sales and Marketing Director for Chicago IVF. Mohamad Nasir received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Temple University and a Master of Business Administration from Western Governor's University.

State Museum Board

Nikhil Trivedi will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Museum Board.* Nikhil Trivedi works as the Director of Engineering at the Art Institute of Chicago overseeing the development of interactive applications for web, mobile and in-gallery experiences and is a regular contributor at The Incluseum blog. His writing has been featured in Model View Culture, Fwd: Museums, and the Journal of Museum Education. Trivedi is also a Co-Creator of the Visitors of Color blog, where they document the experiences of people from marginalized communities who visit--and don't visit--museums. He earned his Bachelor of Science from DePaul University in Human Computer Interaction. 

Workforce Advisory Council

Lesley McCain will serve as a Member of the Energy Workforce Advisory Council.* Lesley McCain has over fifteen years of high level progressive executive director experience. She currently serves as the Executive Director for Illinois Solar Energy Association. She cultivates strong relationships with partner organizations to ensure clean energy growth across Illinois. Preceding her time with the Illinois Solar Energy Association, McCain serves as the Director of Business Development for Community Energy, Inc. McCain is an active board member of the Illinois Environmental Council. Lesley McCain received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University.

Workers' Compensation Advisory Board

Karen Harris will continue to serve as a Member of the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board.* Karen Harris has over 25 years of legal experience. She is currently the senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA). Throughout her time at IHA she has provided expert legal advice and guidance for over 200 health systems and hospitals in Illinois. Harris also serves as a member of the policy team that focuses on Medicaid assessment and reimbursement. Prior to her time at IHA she was the Executive Director for the Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys (IAHA). Harris is the Jackson Park Yacht Club Foundation President and US Sailing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Vice Chair. She is also a member of the Black Women Lawyers Association. Harris received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Princeton University and her Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School.

Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board

David Menchetti will continue to serve as a Member of the Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board.* David Menchetti has devoted his legal career to supporting and representing workers across Illinois. He is a Partner at Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti where he specializes in workers' compensation representing injured workers. Menchetti served on the Workers Compensation Advisory Board from 2005-2011 and has been serving on the Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board since 2013. David Menchetti received his Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

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