Aug 9, 2006 6:49 pm US/Central
Blagojevich Aide To Head Chicago Urban League
CHICAGO (AP) ―
Cheryle Jackson, a top aide and spokeswoman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, is leaving the administration to become president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, the civil rights organization announced Wednesday.
Jackson, who joined Blagojevich's team in 2003 as communications director and chief press secretary and eventually became deputy chief of staff for communications, will be the first woman to head the Chicago Urban League in its 90-year history.
"I know that Cheryle is more than capable of rising to the challenge," Blagojevich said Wednesday in a statement.
Jackson will begin her new position Oct. 1. Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said there has been no decision yet on a replacement.
"I am deeply honored to serve as president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League and to carry on its tremendous history of civic leadership and engagement on issues that impact the lives of African Americans," Jackson said in a statement.
She replaces James W. Compton, who is retiring after 28 years as president and CEO.
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