Jim Schultz Chosen to Head Illinois DCEO

(JIM SCHULTZ AS HIS DESK AT OPEN PRAIRIE VENTURES IN EFFINGHAM EARLIER THIS WEEK)

Governor Bruce Rauner announced Friday he has selected Effingham resident Jim Schultz as Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Schultz’s experience in agribusiness and as a banking entrepreneur gives him the breadth of knowledge to develop and support businesses across the State of Illinois. He will bring 30 years of experience to the position.

The 55-year-old Schultz is currently the chairman of Open Prairie Ventures, Inc., a company he founded in 1997. Open Prairie provides private equity services and manages more than $135 million in fund commitments. Prior to founding Open Prairie Ventures, Schultz was the chairman and CEO of Telemind Capital Corporation. The company provides merger and acquisition guidance, and financial consulting services to businesses. Schultz assisted clients in a number of industries, including: software development, banking, manufacturing, retail, healthcare and entertainment.

Schultz earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University in 1980. He holds a law degree from DePaul University and an MBA from Northwestern University. 

Schultz managed Rauner's recent campaign for governor.

Our Greg Sapp spoke with Jim Schultz earlier this week on his pending appointment as Director of DCEO...