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Ms. Brenda J. Holmes most recently served as the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Education. The Charleston native began her career in education as a government and history teacher at Pawnee High School in Central Illinois. Ms. Holmes left the classroom to pursue the policy side of education and participated in the Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois-Springfield) Legislative Staff Intern Program, serving as the Senate Republican legislative education staff analyst. In 1987, Ms. Holmes joined the staff of the Illinois State Board of Education, serving in a number of capacities; chief of which was the legislative liaison and key contact for legislators, legislative staff, Governor’s office, constitutional officers and educational organizations and civic groups. In 2001 she was inducted into Illinois Issues’ Samuel K. Gove Illinois Legislative Internship Hall of Fame being recognized for her distinguished public service. Brenda Holmes was appointed by Governor Blagojevich in September 2004 and her term expires in January 2009. She serves as the Chair of the State Board’s Governmental Relations Committee and is a member of the Finance & Audit Committee. In addition, Ms. Holmes is a Commissioner for the Education Commission of the States, having been appointed by Illinois State Board Chair Jesse Ruiz. |