By HOI ABC
NORMAL – A man from Normal says he has to resign his two government jobs after Governor JB Pritzker nominated him to serve on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board.
Matthew Coates is giving up his full-time job as Bloomington School District 87′s Director of Communications and his part-time role as District 4 representative on the McLean County Board.
He started both jobs earlier this year. Coates, a Democrat, was appointed to fill a county board vacancy and was seeking election to the board seat this year. Coates’ new position with the Prisoner Review Board is full-time, he said.
In a news release, the governor’s office noted Coates’ experience as a restorative school specialist for Project Oz, a clinical coordinator of youth services, and a crisis counselor at the Children’s Home Association of Illinois.
“I was recommended to be considered for this board due to my background in restorative practices, social work, and working with youth that have experienced trauma,” Coates said in a statement.
“It’s a collaborative decision-making process on the board, and I am excited to work with our board members when determining if parole is granted or not.”
Coates attended Illinois Central College, Illinois State University, and received a master’s degree from Bradley University.
The Illinois Senate must confirm Coates’ appointment. He plans on starting his new job at the start of the state’s new fiscal year July 1.
