Illinois Vets Agency Director To Leave For Private Sector Job
Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Jeffries, who is leaving the position for a job with Johnson & Johnson. IDVA
Erica Jeffries, the head of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs is resigning.
Jeffries has been in charge during multiple Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks at the state veterans’ home in Quincy.
According to an email obtained by Chicago public radio station WBEZ from a top Veterans’ Affairs administrator, Jeffries is going to work at Johnson & Johnson and her final day will be May 18.
Governor Bruce Rauner appointed her to lead the IDVA shortly after he took office.
The West Point graduate and US Army veteran has staunchly defended her agency’s handling of the Legionnaires’ outbreaks, following a WBEZ investigation.
She’s frequently said she’s followed the recommendations of the federal government.
But still, 13 residents have died and dozens more have been sickened in repeated outbreaks since 2015.
In a statement, Rauner’s office thanks Jeffries for her “tremendous service” and says they’ll be vetting successors in the coming weeks.