Will County Gazette

Republican state Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) is among a group “of emerging leaders from across Illinois” selected to be part of the ninth annual Edgar Fellows Program slated to take place in Champaign over the first five days of August.  

"I'm excited to share that I've been selected,” Haas posted on Facebook. “I'm really looking forward to spending time in Champaign next week, learning from and engaging with some of the most talented leaders in Illinois." 

Established by former Gov. Jim Edgar to inspire togetherness in leadership in addressing the state’s challenges, this year’s pool of recipients includes 40 individuals across diverse demographics.

“Each year, the Edgar Fellows Program brings together a group of leaders, with different backgrounds and different politics, from all over Illinois,” said Edgar, who first launched the program in 2012. “They share and learn from those unique life experiences and, ultimately, find out that they have more in common than they have differences. It’s what the Edgar Fellows program is all about, finding common ground and respect, so our fellows can work together throughout their careers to help shape a better Illinois.”

The weeklong program is highlighted by an intense executive training program designed and hosted by Edgar in conjunction with University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs. Over that time, all the fellows will interact with the more than two dozen policy experts and experienced practitioners that are part of the program.

This year’s class will bring the overall number of fellows who have completed the program to 353.