State of Illinois Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

State of Illinois has 10 executives leading key functions including advocacy, operations, technology, and financial management.

Committed to public service excellence, State of Illinois delivers essential support services and infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for residents while maintaining robust administrative oversight across all state departments.

Leadership Roles at State of Illinois

  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Brock
  • Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits - Colm Brewer
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kelly Waldhoff
  • Chief Technology Officer - Randi Garst
  • Chief of Staff - Margaret Cooch
  • Chief Information Officer - Arba Houlden
  • Chief Information Officer, Illinois State Lottery - Nicholas Nell
  • Chief of Staff To State Representative Robert Martwick - Judy Berger
  • A and Lieutenant - Deputy Chief of Staff - Adrian Guerrero
  • Deputy Director - Jessica Molloy
  • Robert Brock - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Brock, the Chief Financial Officer at State of Illinois, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the department. The Chief Financial Officer oversees the allocation of funds for veterans homes, healthcare referrals, and specialized support programs. By ensuring strict adherence to financial regulations, Brock maintains transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. This role involves analyzing expenditure patterns to optimize the delivery of services within budgetary constraints. Robert Brock collaborates with the leadership team to forecast financial needs and secure funding for critical initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue streams and grant management to support the long-term sustainability of agency programs. Through rigorous financial oversight, Brock ensures that resources are directed toward the most impactful services for veterans. The Chief Financial Officer drives fiscal discipline to support the agency's mission.

    Colm Brewer - Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits

    Colm Brewer, the Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits at State of Illinois, manages the financial operations of the state's benefits bureau. The Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits oversees the administration of health and retirement benefits for state employees. By ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, Brewer maintains the stability of benefit funds. This role involves analyzing cost structures to improve the efficiency of benefit delivery. Colm Brewer collaborates with department leaders to manage budgetary requirements and ensure compliance with state regulations. The Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits monitors fund performance to support long-term financial health. Through strategic financial planning, Brewer ensures that the bureau meets its obligations to state personnel. The Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits drives fiscal responsibility.
    Colm Brewer

    Kelly Waldhoff - Chief Operating Officer

    Kelly Waldhoff, the Chief Operating Officer at State of Illinois, directs the daily activities of the five veterans homes providing long-term skilled care. The Chief Operating Officer architects operational workflows to ensure compliance with healthcare standards and safety regulations. By optimizing facility management, Waldhoff improves the quality of life for residents across the state. This role requires constant interaction with clinical staff and administrative teams to maintain high service levels. Kelly Waldhoff evaluates operational metrics to identify areas for improvement in care delivery and resource management. The Chief Operating Officer also coordinates with external partners to secure necessary medical supplies and staffing support. Through strategic planning, Waldhoff ensures that the infrastructure supporting veterans remains resilient and effective. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence to uphold the mission of providing superior long-term care.
    Kelly Waldhoff

    Randi Garst - Chief Technology Officer

    Randi Garst, the Chief Technology Officer at State of Illinois, designs the digital architecture supporting state-wide service delivery. The Chief Technology Officer manages the integration of secure databases for military records and benefit eligibility tracking. By modernizing legacy systems, Garst enhances the accessibility of online resources for veterans and their families. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to align technological investments with agency objectives. Randi Garst oversees the deployment of software solutions that streamline application submissions for state and federal benefits. The Chief Technology Officer prioritizes data security and system reliability to protect sensitive information. Through the implementation of scalable cloud infrastructure, Garst supports the digital transformation of public services. The Chief Technology Officer drives innovation to ensure that technology remains a functional asset in the delivery of essential government support.
    Randi Garst

    Margaret Cooch - Chief of Staff

    Margaret Cooch, the Chief of Staff at State of Illinois, coordinates strategic initiatives and manages the flow of information between executive leadership and department divisions. The Chief of Staff facilitates communication across the agency to ensure alignment with the mission of supporting veterans. By managing complex projects, Cooch drives the execution of policy directives and organizational goals. This role involves advising leadership on critical issues and overseeing the preparation of briefings for state officials. Margaret Cooch monitors the progress of key programs, including the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program, to ensure effective service delivery. The Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus by resolving operational bottlenecks and fostering collaboration among diverse teams. Through meticulous planning and oversight, Cooch ensures that the department remains responsive to the needs of the veteran community and the public.

    Arba Houlden - Chief Information Officer

    Arba Houlden, the Chief Information Officer at State of Illinois, manages the enterprise-wide information technology strategy and infrastructure. The Chief Information Officer oversees the maintenance of critical data systems that track veteran benefits and service records. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, Houlden protects the integrity of state information assets. This leadership role involves directing IT staff in the development of user-friendly platforms for public access. Arba Houlden evaluates emerging technologies to improve the efficiency of administrative processes and service delivery. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executives to ensure that digital tools support the agency's broader mission. Through the management of large-scale IT projects, Houlden ensures that the state's technological capabilities remain current and effective. The Chief Information Officer drives the digital strategy to enhance the overall experience for veterans seeking assistance.
    Arba Houlden

    Nicholas Nell - Chief Information Officer, Illinois State Lottery

    Nicholas Nell, the Chief Information Officer, Illinois State Lottery at State of Illinois, directs the technological operations of the state lottery system. The Chief Information Officer, Illinois State Lottery manages the secure transaction platforms and gaming infrastructure that generate revenue for state programs. By overseeing the development of digital sales channels, Nell expands the reach of lottery operations. This role involves ensuring the integrity and security of all gaming systems to maintain public trust. Nicholas Nell coordinates with state officials to align lottery technology with broader financial objectives. The Chief Information Officer, Illinois State Lottery evaluates system performance to ensure high availability and reliability for users. Through the implementation of advanced data analytics, Nell optimizes operational efficiency and revenue generation. The Chief Information Officer, Illinois State Lottery drives technological innovation to support the state's financial goals.

    Judy Berger - Chief of Staff To State Representative Robert Martwick

    Judy Berger, the Chief of Staff To State Representative Robert Martwick at State of Illinois, manages legislative priorities and constituent services for the office. The Chief of Staff To State Representative Robert Martwick coordinates the development of policy proposals and tracks the progress of legislation through the state assembly. By maintaining strong relationships with community stakeholders, Berger ensures that the representative remains informed on local issues. This role involves overseeing office operations and managing the legislative agenda to address the needs of the district. Judy Berger facilitates communication between the representative and state agencies to resolve constituent concerns. The Chief of Staff To State Representative Robert Martwick monitors political developments to provide strategic advice on legislative strategy. Through effective management of office resources, Berger supports the representative's efforts to drive positive change within the state government.

    Adrian Guerrero - A and Lieutenant - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Adrian Guerrero, the A and Lieutenant - Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Illinois, manages operational logistics and supports executive decision-making processes. The A and Lieutenant - Deputy Chief of Staff coordinates the implementation of departmental policies and ensures that organizational objectives are met. By overseeing administrative workflows, Guerrero improves the efficiency of internal operations. This role involves collaborating with various divisions to align activities with the agency's mission. Adrian Guerrero monitors the progress of key initiatives and provides support to the leadership team in managing complex challenges. The A and Lieutenant - Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates communication across the organization to ensure clarity and accountability. Through the management of daily operations, Guerrero supports the effective functioning of the department. The A and Lieutenant - Deputy Chief of Staff drives operational success by maintaining a focus on strategic alignment and execution.

    Jessica Molloy - Deputy Director

    Jessica Molloy, the Deputy Director at State of Illinois, manages high-level administrative functions and coordinates inter-departmental policy execution. The Deputy Director oversees the implementation of state-wide advocacy programs, ensuring that veterans and families receive necessary support services. By aligning agency goals with legislative mandates, Molloy drives operational efficiency across the department. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with state agencies to streamline healthcare referrals and education program access. Jessica Molloy monitors the performance of service delivery models, specifically focusing on the network of accredited Veteran Service Officers. Through rigorous oversight of resource allocation, the Deputy Director maintains the integrity of state benefits programs. Molloy ensures that all initiatives meet the evolving needs of the veteran community, fostering a culture of accountability and responsiveness within the public sector framework.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding State of Illinois Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads State of Illinois?
    State of Illinois is led by Robert Brock (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Colm Brewer (Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits) and Kelly Waldhoff (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of State of Illinois’s executive team?
    The executive team of State of Illinois includes leaders such as Robert Brock (Chief Financial Officer), Colm Brewer (Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits), Kelly Waldhoff (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does State of Illinois have?
    State of Illinois has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in State of Illinois’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of State of Illinois includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff.