Thirty-four emerging leaders selected to strengthen cross-agency collaboration and operational effectiveness
SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) today announced the selection of the 2026 participants for the Governor’s Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.), marking the launch of the program’s fourth cohort. Administered by CMS, G.O.A.L. continues to serve as a cornerstone leadership development initiative for mid-level professionals across State government.
“It is an absolute pleasure for me to welcome a talented new class of participants to G.O.A.L. This new cohort came to the program with unique experiences, insights, and above all, a deep commitment to public service,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The G.O.A.L. program aims to ensure that Illinois’ next generation of dynamic leaders is prepared to build a brighter future for our great state, and this new cohort is an investment in that future.”
G.O.A.L. is a highly competitive leadership development program launched by Governor Pritzker in 2022 to strengthen the State’s talent pipeline. The program brings together high-performing employees who advance agency missions and serve Illinois residents. Through a structured, immersive curriculum—including facilitated learning, peer collaboration, and applied leadership experiences—participants build leadership skills, gain enterprise-wide perspective, and strengthen cross-agency connections, graduating in December.
The 2026 cohort includes 34 participants from 23 State agencies and offices, reflecting the breadth of expertise across Illinois government. Participants were selected through a competitive, multi-agency review process from hundreds of applicants and represent a diverse group of professionals with a shared commitment to public service.
“The fourth G.O.A.L. cohort reflects the depth of talent within Illinois’ workforce,” said Raven A. DeVaughn, Director of CMS. “These participants bring varied perspectives and experiences that will enrich the program and contribute to more coordinated, effective government. CMS is proud to support their continued development as leaders.”
The 2026 G.O.A.L. cohort includes:
- Lauren Aceves, Department of Innovation and Technology
- Adrian Atwater, Illinois Human Rights Commission
- Heath Barone, Department of Transportation
- Kevin Beck, Office of the Lieutenant Governor
- Angelo Bommarito, Department of Agriculture
- Melissa Brandenburg, Illinois Prisoner Review Board
- Diane Casas, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Brittney Chitwood, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Darnell Cloud, Department of Employment Security
- Marla Courts, Department of Children and Family Services
- Karen Dudek-Brannan, Department of Children and Family Services
- Jashay Fisher-Fowler, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
- Lindsey Freeman, Department of Healthcare and Family Services
- Scott Gauvin, Illinois Emergency Management Agency – Office of Homeland Security
- Mariel Hamer-Sinclair, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Dr. Tanisha Hankerson, Department of Human Services
- Briana Jacobs, Department of Employment Security
- Kristen Kennedy, Department of Healthcare and Family Services
- Nicholas Klein, Illinois Capital Development Board
- James Kowalsky, Department of Human Services
- Shannon Leake, Department of Central Management Services
- Sophia Manuel, Department of Corrections
- Sean Martschinke, Department of Transportation
- Sheila Nelson, Department of Human Services
- Logan Pappenfort, Department of Natural Resources
- Jeffrey Parga, Department of Central Management Services
- Chad Phillips, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Oscar Piña, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Greg Richards, Department of Insurance
- Amanda Shanbaum, Illinois State Police
- Michael Sullivan, Department of Innovation and Technology
- Jaclyn Thompson, Department of Corrections Tangy Williams, Department of Human Services
- Brandon Woudenberg, Department of Early Childhood
Managed by the CMS Ofbce of Operational Excellence under the direction of Dr. Vicki Davis,
G.O.A.L. has more than 80 alumni working throughout State government — a testament to Illinois’ sustained commitment to effective government administration. For more information about the Governor’s Office Academy of Leadership program, visit
www.illinois.gov/goal.