CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's director of the Department of Veteran Affairs became acting secretary of the Transportation Department July 4 following Ann Schneider's resignation after questions were raised over the department's hiring practices.
Quinn put out a press release announcing that Erica Borggren would serve as acting transportation secretary but it did not disclose the details of Schneider's resignation.
Schneider resigned after questions were raised over the department's hiring and promotion of her stepdaughter. Reports last year questioned the department's filling of some positions under the current and past administration that should have adhered to anti-patronage guidelines.
Borggren has served as head of veteran affairs since 2011.
"Erica Borggren is a proven leader who has served our state and nation with excellence and integrity," Quinn said. "From graduating first in her class at West Point, to serving as an outstanding military officer and successfully leading large organizations, I am confident she will be an exceptional Transportation Secretary."
Quinn thanked Schneider for "her years of hard work and dedication."
Borggren said she looked "forward to serving with the IDOT team to maintain and build Illinois' world-class infrastructure, which will create more jobs and drive economic growth for years to come."
The department oversees the state's investments in roads and bridges and a number of high profile projects including the proposed southwest suburban airport and the proposed Illiana toll road which the state plans to finance through its first public private partnership.
