State of Illinois Executive and Leadership Team

Darryl Williams, the Chief Financial Officer at State of Illinois, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for all veteran support programs. Overseeing the distribution of state and federal funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are directed toward high-impact areas such as healthcare referrals and educational assistance. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and compliance monitoring to maintain transparency in all agency expenditures. By optimizing the budget, Darryl Williams supports the long-term sustainability of the five veterans homes and specialized wellness initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer works with the executive team to forecast financial needs and secure necessary funding for future growth. Through the implementation of robust fiscal controls, the Chief Financial Officer protects the financial interests of the department. Williams drives the financial strategy, ensuring that every dollar spent directly contributes to the well-being of Illinois veterans.

Colm Brewer, the Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits at State of Illinois, manages the financial administration of benefit programs for state employees and veterans. Overseeing the complex accounting for survivor and burial benefits, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all disbursements are accurate and timely. This role involves managing the financial risk associated with large-scale benefit distribution programs. By optimizing the financial processes within the Bureau of Benefits, Colm Brewer enhances the efficiency of service delivery for eligible individuals. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other financial leaders to ensure that the agency maintains fiscal compliance with state and federal regulations. Through the management of these critical benefit funds, the Chief Financial Officer supports the financial security of veterans and their families. Brewer drives the financial operations, ensuring that the agency remains a reliable provider of essential benefits.

Kelly Waldhoff, the Chief Operating Officer at State of Illinois, executes the daily administrative functions required to support veteran service delivery. Overseeing the internal infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the network of accredited Veteran Service Officers functions with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves streamlining the application submission process for state and federal benefits to reduce wait times for veterans. By aligning departmental resources with the agency's core mission, Kelly Waldhoff optimizes the distribution of employment and burial benefits. The Chief Operating Officer works alongside other executive leaders to implement scalable solutions for service expansion. Through the management of internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational integrity of the agency. Waldhoff drives organizational growth by fostering a culture of accountability and precision in every administrative task performed across the state.

Michal Sered-Schoenberg, the Chief of Staff at State of Illinois, coordinates the strategic initiatives and policy development for the agency. Overseeing the alignment of executive priorities, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the leadership team and external stakeholders. This role involves managing the implementation of the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program to ensure emotional wellness resources reach those in need. By synthesizing complex policy requirements into actionable plans, Michal Sered-Schoenberg supports the overall mission of the department. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key initiatives, ensuring that all programs remain focused on the needs of veterans and their families. Through the management of high-level projects, the Chief of Staff maintains the strategic focus of the organization. Sered-Schoenberg drives the execution of agency goals by fostering collaboration across all departments and ensuring that leadership decisions translate into tangible benefits for the veteran community.

Paul Younker, the Chief Information Officer at State of Illinois, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for managing military records and veteran data. Overseeing the security and accessibility of sensitive information, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the agency maintains accurate records for all Illinois veterans. This role involves implementing advanced technology solutions to streamline the application process for state benefits. By modernizing the digital service delivery model, Paul Younker enhances the efficiency of the Veteran Service Officers. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other departments to integrate data systems, ensuring seamless access to healthcare and employment resources. Through the management of the agency's technological assets, the Chief Information Officer maintains the integrity of the information systems. Younker drives digital transformation, ensuring that the department remains capable of meeting the evolving needs of the veteran population through secure and reliable technology.

Adrian Guerrero, the A and Lieutenant - Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Illinois, manages the operational logistics for specialized veteran outreach programs. Overseeing the coordination of initiatives for women veterans and Gold Star families, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that these groups receive targeted support and advocacy. This leadership role involves building partnerships with community organizations to expand the reach of state services. By refining the outreach strategy, Adrian Guerrero increases the visibility of available benefits and resources. The Deputy Chief of Staff works closely with the executive team to align outreach efforts with the broader mission of the agency. Through the management of these specialized programs, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that no veteran is left behind. Guerrero drives the implementation of inclusive policies, ensuring that the department effectively serves the diverse needs of the entire veteran community across the state.

Kevin Becker, the Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Public Health at State of Illinois, directs the health-related data systems that support veteran healthcare referrals. Overseeing the interoperability of medical records, the Chief Information Officer ensures that veterans receive seamless care transitions between state and federal health systems. This role involves managing the digital platforms that track health outcomes and service utilization. By optimizing the data architecture, Kevin Becker improves the speed and accuracy of healthcare delivery for the veteran population. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that health data remains secure and accessible. Through the management of these critical health information systems, the Chief Information Officer supports the overall wellness mission of the agency. Becker drives the integration of public health technology, ensuring that veterans benefit from the most advanced data-driven care strategies available.

Christopher Britten, the Group Chief Information Officer at State of Illinois, manages the enterprise-wide technology strategy for the agency. Overseeing the consolidation of IT resources, the Group Chief Information Officer ensures that all departments operate on a unified and secure digital platform. This leadership role involves implementing scalable cloud infrastructure to support the growing demand for online veteran services. By standardizing technology protocols, Christopher Britten reduces operational costs and increases system reliability. The Group Chief Information Officer works with the executive team to align IT investments with the long-term strategic goals of the department. Through the management of the enterprise technology portfolio, the Group Chief Information Officer maintains the operational continuity of the agency. Britten drives the digital strategy, ensuring that the department utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide efficient and accessible support services to veterans throughout the state.

Jessica Benning, the Deputy Director at State of Illinois, manages the strategic implementation of veteran advocacy programs. Overseeing the expansion of state-wide support services, the Deputy Director ensures that veterans receive timely access to healthcare referrals and educational benefits. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs to streamline eligibility determination processes. By optimizing the service delivery model, Jessica Benning directly impacts the quality of life for veterans and their families. The Deputy Director monitors the performance of Veteran Service Officers to maintain high standards of assistance. Through rigorous oversight of these critical support functions, the Deputy Director secures the long-term efficacy of state-funded initiatives. Benning drives the mission of providing comprehensive care, ensuring that every eligible individual receives the necessary resources to thrive within the broader Illinois community.

Peggy Alexander, the Deputy Director at State of Illinois, directs the operational management of the five state-run veterans homes. Focusing on long-term skilled care, the Deputy Director maintains rigorous safety and quality standards across all residential facilities. This role involves close collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure that residents receive specialized medical attention and emotional wellness support. By refining the operational protocols within these homes, Peggy Alexander enhances the standard of living for aging veterans. The Deputy Director also oversees the integration of Gold Star family support initiatives into the broader residential care framework. Through consistent monitoring of facility performance, the Deputy Director guarantees that all state-operated homes meet the complex needs of the veteran population. Alexander architects a supportive environment that prioritizes dignity and professional care for every resident under the jurisdiction of the agency.