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

Tamira Brennan will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Museum Board.* Brennan is the Section Head of Curation and Associate Research Scientist for the Illinois State Archaeological Survey at the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute. Prior to serving in this capacity, she worked for the Survey as the Field Station Coordinator. Brennan has also managed archaeological collections and research as Curator at the Center for Archaeological Investigations at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Illinois and her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology from Southern Illinois University.

Leverne Backstrom will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Museum Board.* Backstrom is a retired Language Arts Teacher and Public Affairs/Public Relations Consultant. Formerly, Backstrom served as a union organizer for the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Backstrom currently serves as the President of the East Saint Louis Planning Commission, a member of the Olivette Park Neighborhood Association, and a member of the East Saint Louis Arts and Culture Coalition (ESLACC). She has received many awards including: The Excellence in Volunteerism Award from the National Council of Negro Women Incorporated Ethel Scott Section in 2012, the African-American History Award for Community Service from the Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chapter Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority in 2014, and the Community Service Award from the East Saint Louis NAACP in 2018. Backstrom received a Bachelor of Science from Kansas Wesleyan University with a major in Secondary Education and ‘Speech and Drama’ and a minor in English.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.