Senior Director
Benjamin M. Superfine is the Senior Director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs and a Professor in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He previously served as Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Relations at UIC, focusing on faculty labor and policy issues, and Chair of the Department of Educational Policy Studies. He holds faculty affiliate positions in UIC Law, the Learning Sciences Research Institute, and the Center for Urban Education Leadership.
Ben’s research is interdisciplinary and addresses educational law and policy issues in areas including school finance reform, standards-based reform and accountability, teacher evaluation, and collective bargaining. He is currently a co-principal investigator on a National Science Foundation grant to develop research-practice partnerships with urban school districts.
Before joining UIC, Ben practiced law at Dow Lohnes PLLC in Washington D.C. He earned his J.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth guides the development of the Policy Spotlight series and Data Hub initiatives.
Brenda directs IGPA staff and leads the organization in achieving the strategic goals.
Rene oversees purchasing, payroll, and other essential business operations.
Alyssa develops IGPA's working groups, manages IGPA faculty affiliations and IGPA research grants, oversees events, directs the annual Paul H. Douglas Award, and co-manages IGPA's Charles P. Wolff interns.
Kristen leads IGPA’s communication strategy and co-manages the Wolff internship program.
Kyle fosters Illinois legislative connections, publishes the Policy Spotlight series, manages content on the website, and co-manages the Wolff internship program.
Belinda supports event planning and handles project-related inquiries.
Becky supports booking, event planning, and other administrative tasks.
Craig coordinates the Policy Spotlight series and provides research support to IGPA affiliates.
Leah assists with purchasing and other essential business operations.
Sue leads the annual Edgar Fellows program under the direction of former Governor Jim Edgar.