Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has hired former state Comptroller Leslie Munger to serve as a deputy governor.
In a statement released first to The Associated Press on Friday, Rauner says Munger will focus on long-term budgeting and work with human services organizations hit hard by the state budget impasse.
Rauner says in the statement that “Leslie’s vast business, human services and government experiences make her uniquely qualified to serve in this important role. We are thrilled that she has agreed to return to public service and bring people together to find long-term solutions for our state and its residents.”
In the statement, Munger says she was "excited" and "grateful for the opportunity" to help Illinois.
Rauner appointed Munger comptroller in 2015, after Judy Baar Topinka died. The Lincolnshire Republican lost a re-election bid in November to Democrat Susana Mendoza.
Munger will serve in addition to current Deputy Governor Trey Childress and will earn $135,000 annually. Rauner's office says the money was freed up when former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle left her $198,000-per-year position on Rauner's executive staff.
Munger is a former executive with Helene Curtis and served on the board of a non-profit organization serving intellectually and developmentally disabled adults.
(Guy Stephens contributed to this report)