Illinois Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner has hired a former top aide to U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk as his chief of staff.
Mike Zolnierowicz was deputy chief of staff to Kirk before joining Rauner’s bid for governor. He was deputy campaign manager for the Republican and oversaw 500 paid employees and more than 10,000 volunteers.
Rauner says he has worked with Zolnierowicz for more than a year and “he has my complete trust and confidence.” Rauner says his new aide shares his commitment to making Illinois “the most compassionate and competitive” of the states.
Kirk, a senator since 2010, says Zolnierowicz has a great understanding of and love for Illinois.
While he served Kirk, Zolnierowicz oversaw the Republican’s Illinois operations.
Zolnierowicz graduated from Downers Grove North High School in suburban Chicago.