Governor Names Heuerman, Forbes to State Boards

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed two more people with Effingham ties to state boards and commissions.

Dustin Heuerman has been named to the Illinois Community College Board. The governor's release indicated Heuerman's "background in education and criminal justice will bring a unique perspective to the Board."

Since 2010, Heuerman has served as a faculty member at Lake Land College where he is responsible for teaching undergraduate classes online and in-person, curriculum review and development, and student advisement. Before going into education, Heuerman worked in law enforcement. He was the Chief of Police for the Village of Atwood and a deputy sheriff for the Champaign County Sheriff's Office. He is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Heuerman received his bachelor's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Indiana State University and his Doctorate from Ferris State University in Community College Leadership. He lives in Champaign, but is a native of Effingham.

Meanwhile, the governor has appointed Joseph Forbes of Effingham to the Illinois Workforce Investment Board. With experience in manufacturing and as a small business owner, the governor said Forbes will bring a dual perspective to the board.

Forbes is currently an owner of Versatech, LLC. The company specializes in business and strategy and manufacturing consulting. Previously, he was the Director of Plant Operations and General Manager of Hitachi Metals America. He also worked with the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center, helping small to medium sized businesses improve their competitiveness.

Forbes holds a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.