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

Michael Murphy will serve as a Member of the Illinois State Museum Board* With over thirty years of managerial experience, Murphy currently serves as the President and CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce where he advocates on behalf of 1,300 members at all levels of government. Prior to joining the Chamber of Commerce, Murphy represented the 99th District where he sat on the Insurance, State Government Administration, and Museums, Arts, and Cultural Enhancement Committees. He is an active member in his community and has been recognized as the Illinois Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture and received the Chamber Chairman’s Award. Murphy received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University.

Antonio Baxton will serve as a Member of the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority.* Baxton has over twenty years of managerial expertise in economic development, statistics, grant management and corporate finance. He currently serves as the Senior Partner at Baxton and Associates, LLC. Previously, he served as the Director of the SEED (Social Equity and Educational Development) Program at CRESCO Labs which focused on social equity within the cannabis industry. Baxton also has experience with the State having served as the Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Baxton received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Illinois University.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.