State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-79) has been tapped to participate in the 2021 Edgar Fellows Program. Of this significant honor, the freshman lawmaker said, “I am proud to have been nominated and accepted into this year’s class of Edgar Fellows and am really looking forward to this wonderful opportunity to learn from and engage with some of the most talented leaders in Illinois!”
See press release from the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs below.
July 27, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Janet Mathis
jmathis@tdcconsult.com
309-945-5621
Edgar Fellows Program Welcomes Ninth Class
Forty leaders from across Illinois to meet in Champaign, August 1 through 5
URBANA, IL — A group of emerging leaders from across Illinois has been selected to be part of the ninth annual Edgar Fellows Program and will gather in Champaign August 1 through 5.
The Edgar Fellows Program is an initiative designed by former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar to inspire respectful and collaborative leadership to address the state’s major challenges.
The 40 participants selected this year were chosen from a field of 187 nominees and reflect Illinois’ political, racial, ethnic and geographic diversity. They include elected and appointed officials from all levels of government, leaders of non-profit organizations and individuals who are making their mark in the business world.
“Each year, the Edgar Fellows Program brings together a group of leaders, with different backgrounds and different politics, from all over Illinois. They share and learn from those unique life experiences and, ultimately, find out that they have more in common than they have differences,” said Edgar, who launched the program in 2012. “People who were strangers on Sunday become good friends by Thursday, and it has been so gratifying to watch that happen over the eight years we’ve had this program. It’s what the Edgar Fellows program is all about, finding common ground and respect, so our fellows can work together throughout their careers to help shape a better Illinois.”
The Edgar Fellows week includes an intense executive training program designed and hosted by Edgar and the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs. The fellows will engage with more than two dozen policy experts and experienced practitioners. But most importantly, they will learn from each other in discussions of issues such as workforce development, climate change, public safety, disaster planning and intergovernmental cooperation.
The 2021 class will bring the number of fellows who have completed the program to 353. After completing the initial program, fellows continue to meet at least twice annually at alumni gatherings designed to increase their knowledge and help build their professional networks.
The Edgar Fellows Program is funded by donations from a diverse group of individuals, organizations and companies interested in promoting competent, ethical and solution-oriented leadership in Illinois.
A complete list of the Class of 2021 Edgar Fellows can be viewed here.