Illinois e-News Release

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

Shad Etchason will serve as a Member on the Energy Transition Workforce Commission.* Etchason has worked with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146 for over twenty-five years. He currently serves as an international representative, providing assistance and guidance to IBEW Local Unions in Illinois and Indiana in areas including grievances, disputes, and negotiations. During his time with IBEW, he has worked as an apprentice wireman, journeyman wireman, assistant business manager, and business manager. Etchason is an active member in his community and works with several organizations including United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, GROW Decatur, and Decatur Housing Authority. Etchason received an Associate of Applied Science degree from Lake Land College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Meany Center for Labor Studies.

Michael Schmidt will serve as a Member on the Illinois Racing Board.* Schmidt currently serves as Vice President of Field Services for Micronics Engineered Filtration Group. In this role, Schmidt is responsible for field installation, replacement, and inspection of all dry filtration products manufactured and sold by Micronics Engineered Filtration Group. An avid fan of horse racing, Schmidt has a strong interest in racing and the growth of the sport in Illinois. He also has partial ownership in horses that race out of state. Schmidt received a Bachelor of Arts degree from John Carroll University and a Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School.

Jeffrey Lewis will continue to serve as Public Administrator and Public Guardian of DeKalb County.* Lewis was originally appointed as Public Administrator and Public Guardian in 2016. His focus is primarily in probate, estates, and guardianship within Dekalb County. Lewis is an attorney at Klein, Stoddard, Buck & Lewis, LLC. He is an active member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, and is a board member for the Salvation Army of DeKalb County and the DeKalb County Estate Planning Council. Lewis received a Bachelor of Science degree and Juris Doctorate from Northern Illinois University.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.