Capital Development Board appoints new executive director

Jeff Heck was confirmed unanimously during the CDB's monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 8th. 

Heck, of Springfield, Illinois, previously served as the Chief Fiscal Officer (CFO) and the Director of Finance and Administration at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), where he worked for over 37 years.
 
"With nearly four decades of transportation, project and fiscal experience in Illinois, I am confident that Jeff's expertise and talents will be utilized at the CDB to increase efficiency and grow jobs and our economy," Governor Bruce Rauner said.

"I am very pleased with the selection of Jeff Heck to serve as Executive Director," said CDB Board Chairman Jim Reilly. "His background and experience will serve the Board well."

At IDOT, Heck managed a staff of 270-plus employees across five bureaus and two sections. His areas of responsibility included personnel, budgeting, accounting, procurement, construction compliance, external financial audits, capital programs, computer services, labor relations and more.

"I am honored and excited to lead an agency that impacts the lives of so many Illinois residents," Heck said. "I believe my many years of experience and knowledge of the industry will assist me in working with the CDB staff to further the Governor's capital initiatives and improve the economic climate of our state."

In addition to his most recent position as Chief Fiscal Officer and Director of Finance and Administration, Heck has served in several executive roles at IDOT, including Director of the Office of Quality Compliance and Review and Interim Director of the Division of Traffic Safety, and was named the Governor's Representative for Illinois Highway Safety.

In 2005 Heck was selected by the Illinois Secretary of Transportation as a co-recipient of the Outstanding Service Award honoring him as an employee of the year for the agency. In 1997 Heck was acknowledged by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for his work on a massive FBI transportation related investigation in Chicago.

He has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

Following his appointment, current Acting Executive Director Amy Romano will return to her position as the agency's general counsel.

"It has been my privilege to serve the Board and staff as Acting Executive Director," Romano said.  We look forward to working with Mr. Heck to continue to move our ongoing capital projects forward."

Heck's appointment is effective immediately.