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* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Linda Chapa LaVia is stepping down from her role. Major General Peter Nezamis, Assistant Adjutant General – Air, Illinois National Guard to serve as interim director. The governor will name a permanent director for the department following a nationwide search.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedom and this administration will continue to do everything possible to prioritize their care,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m grateful to Linda for her service and wish her well on her next chapter. I’m pleased to welcome Major General Peter Nezamis to his new role and am confident that with his decades of leadership and operations experience, he is the right person to lead this department forward and ensure our veterans receive the quality care they deserve.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve our veterans,” said outgoing IDVA Director Linda Chapa LaVia. “I’m proud of our accomplishments and I look forward to assisting the interim director in any way possible as the department continues its work to serve our heroes.”
“I’ve been privileged to serve our state and county in a number of capacities throughout my career and I pledge to lead the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs forward in a way that is transparent, equitable and fair,” said incoming IDVA Interim Director Major General Peter Nezamis. “IDVA is tasked with caring for our state’s heroic veterans, the most noble of missions, and one I look forward to leading in the weeks to come.”
Maj. Gen. Nezamis currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Illinois Air National Guard. As the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, he is responsible for the command, control and operations of plans and programs affecting more than 3,000 ILANG personnel located at Scott Air Force Base, Peoria and Springfield, Ill. as well as supervising a full-time force of over 900 state and federal employees. Additionally, General Nezamis serves as an Airborne Emergency Action Officer (AEAO) for Commander USSTRATCOM performing periodic alert duties as part of the Battle Staff onboard the USSTRATCOM Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) Looking Glass. He is trained as a Director of Mobility Operations (DIRMOP), and is the Vice for the Midwest Region Strategic Planning System and member of the national level Steering Committee (SPS-SC).
General Nezamis graduated from Western Michigan University in 1986, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology and Management. In December 1986, he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Michigan ANG. He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was assigned to the 108th Air Refueling Squadron, O’Hare International Airport Air Reserve Station, Illinois, as a KC-135 pilot.
He is a command pilot, instructor and evaluator with more than 5,200 hours, commanded numerous expeditionary operations including the 492nd and the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadrons and flown over 275 combat hours in support of several operations including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Previously he served as 126 ARW Wing Commander, Operations Group Commander, and Squadron Commander. Prior to his current assignment, General Nezamis was the Chief of the Joint Staff, Illinois National Guard, Camp Lincoln, Springfield Ill.
…Adding… Rep. David Welter (R-Morris)…
Director Chapa LaVia’s resignation was a necessary step in bringing accountability to the Pritzker Administration’s lackluster response to the deadly outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home. I welcome the naming of Major General Peter Nezamis to serve as acting director and encourage him to maintain an active dialogue with members of the Illinois General Assembly as he works to keep our veterans safe.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:51 pm
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Absolutely amazing that it took this long
Comment by SpiDem Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:53 pm
Inevitable.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:54 pm
I thank the Governor, and his Crew.
I’m glad this chapter has come to a close.
So much hard work to do. It’s not an easy job, it’s a difficult agency, especially during difficult times.
My hope is for a smooth transition and the new leadership will learn from the old and in the now the hard work to keep the veterans safe is most important, first and last.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:57 pm
Rep Kifowit got her wish.
Comment by Pink Girl Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:57 pm
Peace be with Ms. Chapa LaVia. Strength be with Mr. Nezamis. Hope time will heal the wounds of our veterans and their families.
Comment by Chuck Button Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:59 pm
about time
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:05 pm
Time to get to work. This was necessary to address this serious issue and to begin to rebuild confidence.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:08 pm
“stepping down” That’s a cute way to frame it. It’s the right result, though and was too long in coming.
Comment by Responsa Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:17 pm
Nice, made the madigan soap opera news cover this mess.There were lives lost, let’s move on
Comment by 14th ward Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:20 pm
Glad to hear it. We can move on from this tragedy, rebuild and hopefully give our veterans better care and leadership.
Comment by Marine267 Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:21 pm
The Veterans Homes are such a hot potato they probably should transfer management responsibilities to DHS or an agency that specializes in health care.
Comment by Rockwell Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:23 pm
I’ve gotta find a video of this morning’s committee hearing…I feel like that’s some much needed context.
Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:32 pm
I always liked her, but what the Department needed was a public administration expert to get things changed.
Comment by Just Me 2 Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:35 pm
I don’t know if anyone else feels this way but I’m offended when governors announce a nationwide search for a cabinet secretary. In a state of 12 million there’s something wrong if we can’t find someone that can fill that role. If not, can we do a nationwide search for a better governor?
Meanwhile, why hasn’t JB fired the Director of Employment Security? He should be forced to have to file for unemployment and wait months to even talk to someone in the agency.
Comment by Downstate Illinois Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:36 pm
This was overdue. Now it has to be fixed or turn this responsibility over to the VA if the state does not have the capacity for appropriate care.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:41 pm
== why hasn’t JB fired the Director of Employment Security? ==
He replaced that person months ago, new Director is currently in place. On a related topic, why do governors always have to allow a person to step down? Doesn’t anyone have the stones to fire people anymore? Then he pulls this “I’m grateful to Linda for her service” baloney. Why in God’s name would you be “grateful” when she was awful at her job? Weak move, JB.
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:46 pm
== Meanwhile, why hasn’t JB fired the Director of Employment Security? He should be forced to have to file for unemployment and wait months to even talk to someone in the agency. ==
If you have supported austerity measures in the decades leading up to today, you have no room to complain about depleted state agencies that are unable to respond to once in a century crisis that has wrecked havoc on every aspect of society. What do you expect to happen? The “fiscally conservative” crowd loves to bash on government but are first/loudest when they need it and government is unable to respond. Give me a break.
Comment by The Failing New York Times Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:49 pm
She should have resigned, but I doubt if replacing her will solve the problem since only 28% of the staff got vaccinated and staff with COVID 19 was directed to keep working.
Comment by pool boy Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:50 pm
About. Time. Veterans come first. You are their voice via your chosen IDVA director, Mr. Pritzker.
Comment by Pizza Man Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:57 pm
Willy spends a lot of time thanking JB. It’s so touching.
Comment by Honest Man of Cook County Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:00 pm
As this rate Willy will be working in JB’s administration.
Comment by Envelope licker Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:02 pm
=== spends a lot of time thanking===
Meh.
Just today I was called a partisan against both Chapa LaVia and Pritzker.
Y’all need to decide… or actually read and read with context.
If you believe Personnel is Policy, the move with Chapa LaVia here is a good policy move.
Are you saying keeping Chapa LaVia would be better?
If that’s part of your drive by too… yikes
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:04 pm
I’ve worked for the state of Illinois for years, OW should work directly for JB. OW knows how to impress the right people. He’s a man of action.
Comment by Civil Servant Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:05 pm
===… will be working in JB’s administration===
After my comments lately I couldn’t get a cup of coffee or cannoli from the administration, let alone work.
Trolling me isn’t helping or adding.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:05 pm
=== should work directly for ===
You know, nearly three dozen veterans are victims here, there’s a change at director, and your junior high antic diminish from the seriousness.
No one is listening to my comments, why try to elevate me?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:09 pm
Good move Linda Chapa LaVia and Governor Pritzker.
Comment by west wing Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:10 pm
OW don’t sell yourself short. With your eloquence, you could convince a moderate Republican to raise taxes on everyone.
Comment by Precinct Walker Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:11 pm
NIU grad - the context of the hearing is plainly key. Thapedi accused her of stonewalling. Mazzochi asked her if she had discussed resignation with the Governor, and she said no. Then Chapa La Via got slaughtered on her questioning. Now Chapa La Via is resigning. She clearly lost support from both sides of the aisle with this hearing performance, so enough was enough.
Comment by Gary Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:12 pm
She was never qualified to run this massive bureaucracy and quite a sensitive state agency (especially during this pandemic) which deals with many service members’ lives. I recall when she lambasted then-Gov. Rauner’s VA director during the Legionnaires disease-related death hearings. Rauner was publicly criticized for his weak leadership on this issue and agency.
Comment by Pizza Man Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:20 pm
Suggestion - Focus on the need to protect our veterans under our care. We didn’t do enough, and the person directly responsible is being held to account. She’s a good person and I’m sure was well intended. It was on her watch. This is an important change - let’s make this situation better now. That’s really all that truly matters.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:24 pm
You are too modest, OW.
With Chapa La Via gone we will never know what the role of the governor’s Office was.
Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:48 pm
===we will never know what the role of the governor’s Office was.===
Emails and notifications will be a significant tick tock to events.
Its not modesty, it’s honesty. I know who I am.
You’re kind to think it as modesty, but I know who I am.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:56 pm
As a spouse of one of our veterans, this latest mess is created by lack of solid leadership from the ground up. This exactly why I cringe at the thought of any veteran being placed in a VA facility. Perhaps the governor should consider an actual participant in care at the VA. Choose an employee that has worked with veterans and fought for their care. As a spouse and caregiver of one of our Illinois Veterans I can say with no reservation that the Illinois VA needs to be brought to a standard we can all be proud of. I, too, respect Linda for all she has done in our state, but let’s be clear, not all is her doing. The mess starts at a much lower level of leadership, never to be seen until it’s too late. It’s not until the media finds out that positions like Linda’s is bounced. I fought the VA for 10+ years with two very reputable lawyers in Chicago and the VA still didn’t pay me $76k in back pay for caring for one of our own, my spouse. I finally just walked away. This mess goes much deeper than Linda’s position. I wish Linda well but sadly, this is part of the process when things fall apart.
Comment by SandyC Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 4:12 pm
I hope Linda finds her way back to the General Assembly
Comment by Flyer Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 4:22 pm
Now that the blame is out of the way. past time to fix the problems.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 4:25 pm
=== I hope Linda finds her way back to the General Assembly===
Half of me says no.
Half of me says a new career might be better.
Whatever she chooses, I hope it’s not something she does half way.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 4:26 pm
===In a state of 12 million there’s something wrong if we can’t find someone that can fill that role.===
That is like a saying a corporation must always promote from within and can never consider an outside hire who has the experience and wisdom a corporation might need.
Comment by Just Me 2 Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 4:55 pm
There are a lot of not-for-profit organizations who could use her help and relationships. It may not pay the same, but it will feel very good to accomplish things in that space. For what it’s worth…
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 4:56 pm
We need to be looking at nursing homes across Illinois that have major Covid outbreaks along with the VA facilities.
Comment by jimbo26 Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 5:17 pm
Another employee tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday. Those employees who refuse the vaccine should be forced to take unpaid leaves until this is under control. Unless there is a medical reason their decision not to vaccinate is purely selfish and they should not be working in any healthcare facility. My Dad cannot speak for himself, so I am his voice.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 7:00 pm
She is gone. One positive note. Now, the messes of Covid and legionnaires needs cleaned up. While most forgot once Rauner was gone about the legionnaires outbreak, it has appeared again.
These facilities are old, there is more hidden that hasn’t been found. Mold would not be a surprise considering the issues with the plumbing that creates legionnaires way to flourish.
Decades of neglect is what is happening. Covid is the forefront now, but the other issues are contributing as well.
Comment by FormerParatrooper Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 9:29 pm
Mazzochi directly asked Chapa LaVia during her house testimony today if she was going to resign. Funny timing.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 10:32 pm
Her showing up and taking pictures for Public Relations will surely be missed.
Comment by Franz Tuesday, Jan 12, 21 @ 7:21 am