Here is a list of new Exec’s and our new Secretary.
It has been pointed out to me that I had not shared the appointment of our new Secretary
of the Dept. of Human Services, James Dimas! Sorry about that!
Governor Bruce Rauner has selected James Dimas to become the Secretary of the Illinois
Department of Human Services (IDHS). Dimas is an experienced leader in transforming
human services departments at the state and local level, including Illinois. He was a primary
architect in the consolidation of the current agency.
Dimas worked in a number of roles at IDHS including the Acting Director of Community
Operations. He also led strategic planning and performance management, as well as, the
welfare-to-work system. As the Acting Director of Community Operations he led one of the
nation’s most successful welfare-to-work initiatives by increasing the monthly job retention
rate among TANF clients to 96 percent. He also decreased the TANF caseload and food
stamp error rate. Dimas also led IDHS’ move to performance-based budgeting and oversaw
the transformation of using performance knowledge to improve program quality.
Dimas began working for the State of Illinois in 1995 on the Governor’s Task Force on
Human Services Reform under Governor Edgar. He led the development and marketing for
the consolidation effort into the agency’s current organizational structure. IDHS was
consolidated into the state’s largest agency in 1997 from seven previously separate health
and social services agencies.
Currently, Dimas is the owner and CEO of Dimas Consulting, Inc. It provides performance
management, and human services policy, programming and administration consulting
services. He is one of two accountability agents appointed by a federal court to oversee
major reforms of Georgia’s child welfare system. He also has designed reform campaigns
for the Chicago Housing Authority.
Dimas is a graduate of Knox College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political
science. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas in public affairs. Dimas
also attended Harvard University’s Executive Program for government performance.
New Executive Directors in Illinois:
Steve Manning has been named the Executive Director of Park Lawn in Oak Lawn. Steve
is currently Vice President of Finance & Administration at Chicago Theological Seminary
and Treasurer of The Arc of Illinois Board of Director’s. Steve assumes those duties on
June 1st. Congratulations to Steve!
Dr. Teresa Garate has accepted the position of Anixter Center CEO & President. Tere has
a lifelong passion for serving people with disabilities. Her combination of government and
private sector experience in disabilities fields, education, management skills and passion for
innovation make her an ideal choice to lead Anixter Center into our next 100 years of
service. Tere will officially become CEO on May 30th. Tere is a long standing member of
The Arc and we look forward to working with her in her new positon.
Christine Myers has been named the Executive Director of the Livingston County Mental
Health Board upon the retirement of Carol Flessner. Christine has served as an Individual
Service Coordinator for Livingston County Mental Health Board. Welcome Christine!
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org
