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Meet the 2024 G.O.A.L. Cohort

News (January 19, 2024): Pritzker Administration Announces The Second Cohort of the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.)

Below are the 2024 G.O.A.L. fellows. This highly-competitive program was designed to provide a robust professional development opportunity for mid-level leaders who maintain critical roles in advancing key initiatives and maintaining optimal operations for the State.

This year's 30-person cohort was once again selected from hundreds of applicants by a multi-agency evaluator panel and represents a diverse pool of leaders committed to advancing public service in State Government. The 2024 G.O.A.L. cohort includes:

  • Jakki Alexander, Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Melishia Bansa, Department of Healthcare and Family Services
  • Freddie Buckingham, Department of Employment Security
  • José Miguel Burgos, Department of Natural Resources
  • Jackie Clisham, Illinois Racing Board
  • Mary Ann Dyar, Criminal Justice Information Authority
  • Noah Franklin, Department of Public Health
  • Jeffrey Green, Department of Central Management Services
  • Brandy Jones, Department of Children & Family Services
  • Tiara Jones, Department of Employment Security
  • Kathryn Kaniewski, Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
  • Harish Kumar, Department of Innovation and Technology
  • Yolanda Lampkin-Diming, Department of Human Services
  • Nicole Miceli, Department of Human Services
  • Tali Myers, Department of Human Services
  • Rebekah Nichols, Department of Children & Family Services
  • Victor Nwankwo, Department of Corrections
  • Amorio Parish, Department of Human Services
  • Natalie Pine, The Office of Governor
  • Edith Salinas, Department of Human Services
  • Bridget Sheehan, Illinois Commerce Commission
  • T'Kira Siler-Wilkerson, Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Brian Spencer, Department of Children & Family Services
  • George Sweeney, Department of Insurance
  • Renee Thompson, Department of Human Services
  • Stephany Trejos, Department of Corrections
  • Beth Walker, Department of Revenue
  • Kit Walsh, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  • Jeremy Wheeler, Department of Children & Family Services
  • Courtney Wick, Department of Human Services

For questions, please email cms.goal@illinois.gov.