The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) is pleased to welcome newly appointed Secretary Deborah Hagan as a leader for the State of Illinois. Ms. Haganwas appointed by Governor JB Pritzker on February 19 to serve as the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Secretary Hagan has been an advocate for Illinois consumer rights for over 36 years. In her prior role as Chief of the Consumer Protection Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s office, Hagan was instrumental in defending the interests of Illinoisans in critical areas, such as mortgage origination and servicing, student loan services, debt collection, identity theft, and other areas of financial risk. She has helped to recover billions of dollars in restitution for victims of consumer fraud as well.
ICUL has worked very closely with Secretary Hagan over the past 30 years. As emphasized by Stephen Olson, ICUL’s former General Counsel who retired at the end of 2018, but continues to serve ICUL in its advocacy efforts as an independent contractor, “Debbie has always brought insight and a willingness to listen and reach a reasonable resolution in relation toany issue we have addressed. Her experience, judgement and perspective will help credit unions fulfill their mission of serving their members. She understands and respects the unique structure of credit unions.”
Other IDFPR organizational changes were also implemented by Governor Pritzker on February 19. Francisco Menchaca will continue to serve as Director of the Division of Financial Institutions. Mario Treto, Jr will serve as the Director of Real Estate; and Jessica Baer, who had served as Acting Secretary following Bryan Schneider’s departure, will continue to serve as the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation. All of the Governor’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the Illinois Senate.