Governor J.B. Pritzker appoints Gina Sheurman to WIEDA, Senate confirmation pending

Pittsfield-based Gina Sheurman, executive director of the Pike County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation, was named to the Western Illinois Economic Development Authority by Governor J.B. Pritzker, according to a State of Illinois Newsroom press release; WLDS reported the appointment on Feb. 27, 2026. The governor’s release states that “Gina Sheurman will serve as a Member of the Western Illinois Economic Development Authority,” and that the nomination is part of a slate of appointments “pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.”

The governor’s release lists Sheurman’s current role at the Pike County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation in Pittsfield and details prior positions and civic leadership. Before her chamber post, Sheurman served as Human Resources and Compliance System Manager with Farmers State Bank. The release also notes Sheurman’s service as president of the John Wood Community College Southeast Advisory Committee and as president of the John Wood Community College Foundation, and it records her academic credentials: a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and Public Relations from Quincy University and an MBA from the University of Illinois Springfield.

The nomination now moves to the Illinois Senate for confirmation; the press release explicitly notes “Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.” Observers tracking the schedule can request updates from the Governor’s Office press contact at gov.press@illinois.gov or follow @GovPritzker on social media for announcements and press materials, including downloadable video of press conferences referenced in the release.

The same governor’s release included a second appointment: Andres Rico to the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority. The release states “Andres Rico will serve as a Member of the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority,” and lists Rico’s current job as Business Manager with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 176, his history as a union electrician and IBEW Local 176 member since 1999, and his board roles with Southland Friends of Labor and Three Rivers Construction Alliance plus his delegate role with the Will and Grundy Counties Building Trades Council. The release also records that Rico earned his high school diploma from Plainfield North High School.

WLDS’s Feb. 27, 2026 report and the State of Illinois Newsroom release together place a Pittsfield civic leader on the WIEDA board pending legislative action, and they place a longtime union official on the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority. Those nominations are now awaiting scheduling and hearings in the Illinois Senate; for official inquiries about timing or additional documentation, contact the Governor’s Office press email at gov.press@illinois.gov.