Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner announced several appointments late Friday afternoon, and 2 are from Central Illinois.
57-year-old Craig Lindvahl of Effingham has been named a member of the Illinois State Board of Education. The Governor's Office says Lindvahl brings more than 35 years of experience in education and business to the board. Lindvahl is an award-winning educator earning the prestigious Milken National Educator Award, and has twice been a finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year.
Lindvahl is currently the Executive Director of the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, which is a company that educates future business leaders. He oversees the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program. He speaks across the country about CEO, millennials and economic development.
Lindvahl spent 34 years in the classrooms of the Teutopolis District 50 Schools.
Lindvahl is also an award-winning filmmaker, having earned 12 Mid-America Emmy Awards and 11 Telly Awards.
Governor Rauner also announced Friday that he was appointing 54-year-old Don Tracy of Springfield as chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board. The Governor's Office says Tracy’s background as an attorney and business owner gives him the experience necessary to lead the board dealing with an important industry in Illinois.
Tracy is currently a partner at Brown, Hay & Stephens LLP, which is the state’s oldest law firm and the former firm of President Abraham Lincoln. Tracy is also general outside counsel to Dot Foods, Inc., which he owns with his 11 siblings. Dot Foods is the nation’s largest food re-distributor.
