NASCA Press Release: Director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services Selected as 2025 NASCA Awards Committee Chair

For Immediate Release
February 17, 2025

Contact: Elizabeth Whitehouse, Executive Director, executivedirector@nasca.org, (859) 457-6400

Director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services Selected as 2025 NASCA Awards Committee Chair

Springfield, IL — The National Association of State Chief Administrators is proud to announce that Raven A. DeVaughn, Director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), has been selected as the new Chair of the NASCA Awards Committee for 2025. As Chair, Director DeVaughn will lead the committee in overseeing two important recognition programs: the NASCA Awards and the 20 Under 40 Awards.

“I’m excited to take on the role of chairing the NASCA Awards Committee and to play a part in recognizing the incredible contributions of state government professionals,” said Director DeVaughn. “Both the NASCA Awards and the 20 Under 40 Awards Program offer a unique opportunity to celebrate excellence and innovation in state governance. I look forward to working with our committee to highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams dedicated to improving state government operations.”

Appointed by Governor JB Pritzker in January 2023, Raven DeVaughn manages the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, overseeing an $8 billion annual budget and leading a dedicated team of more than 750 employees. CMS is responsible for a wide range of services across Illinois state government, including human resources, procurement, facilities management, employee benefits, labor relations, and more. Under her leadership, the department has focused on streamlining operations and improving efficiency across state agencies.

“When I appointed Director DeVaughn to lead the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, I knew she’d bring the vision and leadership needed to keep our state government running at its best. Since then, she has admirably led the agency with integrity, driving efficiency and ensuring our residents are well-served,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “NASCA’s decision to name her Chair of the Award Committee is a testament to her exceptional leadership, people-centered mindset, and understanding of how government can best serve its people. Congratulations, Director DeVaughn!”

DeVaughn holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to her appointment as CMS Director, she held leadership roles in public service and consulting, advising on various aspects of organizational efficiency and public policy.

"Raven’s expertise in both public service and operational management will be instrumental in shaping the future of NASCA awards programs," said NASCA President, Secretary Adam Proffitt of Kansas. "Her dedication to excellence and leadership in state government will help elevate these important recognition programs and highlight the outstanding work being done across the country."

The NASCA Awards program honors outstanding individuals and teams in categories such as leadership, government operations, collaboration, deputy excellence, and innovation in state government. These awards will be presented during the NASCA Institute in the fall. The 20 Under 40 Awards will celebrate 20 nominees—both from state government and NASCA Corporate Partners—who have demonstrated exceptional service to state government. This award will be presented during the NASCA Annual Leadership Conference in Las Vegas on May 15, 2025.

Founded in 1976, NASCA is the nation’s only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving chief administrative officers or CAOs. NASCA provides a forum for state chief administrative officers to exchange information and learn new ideas from each other and private sector partners. NASCA engages states in transforming government operations through shared knowledge, operational excellence, and thought leadership.

For more information on NASCA, please visit NASCA.org.