University of Illinois University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Springfield Institute of Government & Public Affairs Image Map
Sign Up For IGPA Updates
Connect with IGPA
Support
Administration

Kelsey McCoy

Kelsey McCoy is communication and marketing specialist at IGPA.

Kathy Harrington Sullivan

Thumbnail photo of Kathy HarringtonKathy Harrington Sullivan serves as a program coordinator and planner at IGPA.

David F. Merriman

Associate Director

Faculty Member In:
Department of Economics
College of Urban Planning and Public Administration

Expertise:
Demographics
Economic Climate
Economics
Medicaid/Medicare
Property Taxes
Taxes & Tax Policy
Urban/Suburban Development
Welfare Policy

David F. Merriman


Biography Research Contact Information

Professor Merriman was appointed as associate director of IGPA on August 16, 2010 after serving one year as head of the Department of Economics at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As associate directror, Merriman will assist Director Robert Rich with the implementation of IGPA's strategic plan and initiatives. Merriman, who has been part of IGPA since 1996, also returns this year to his position as Professor of Public Administration in UIC's College of Urban Planning and Public Administration. He previously spent 20 years on the faculty at Loyola University of Chicago. Professor Merriman received his B.S. in economics and political science (1976) from American University, an M.S. in economics from the University of Wisconsin (1980) and a Ph.D., also in economics (1983), from the University of Wisconsin.

Jean Benefield

small photo of Jean BenefieldJean Benefield is the administrative assistant to Dr. Rich.

James R. Paul

Photo of Jim PaulJim Paul is the assistant director of IGPA. He is responsible for overseeing the institute's operations, as well as all internal and external communications.

Robert F. Rich

Director

Faculty Member In:
College of Medicine
Political Science Department
College of Law

Expertise:
Campaign Finance
Energy Policy
Health Care Policy & Regulation
Higher Education Policy
Human Resources
Illinois Politics
Leadership & Public Service
Legislation and the Legislative Process
Politics & Political Campaigns
Universal Health Insurance Access

Robert F. Rich


Biography Research Contact Information

Dr. Rich has been Director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs since 2005. He is in his second tenure as director after also leading the institute from 1986 to 1997. He is the founder and former director of the Office of Public Leadership at IGPA, which offers educational programs to elected and non-elected local government officials. In addition, he serves as the coordinator for the local and state government strategic initiative of the Partnership Illinois Program. Before joining the faculty of the University of Illinois in 1986, he served on the faculties of the University of Michigan, Princeton University, and Carnegie-Mellon University.

  

Flash Index Title

The State of the Illinois Economy

Upcoming Events

February 13, 2012 • 7:00pm
February 15, 2012 • 12:00pm
February 17, 2012 • 10:30am