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Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) recently appointed Gia Biagi to become the next secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, pending the approval of the state legislature. She will replace current Secretary Omer Osman, who is retiring after a 35-year career at Illinois DOT at the end of 2024.
“As my administration continues our ambitious goals to revitalize transportation across the state, I’m excited to appoint Gia Biagi as the next leader of Illinois DOT,” the governor noted in a statement. “Her expansive portfolio and unique leadership experience will undoubtedly propel Illinois DOT’s mission forward and strengthen Illinois’ infrastructure efforts.”
Biagi joins Illinois DOT after four years of service at the Chicago Department of Transportation. She also served as principal of urbanism and civic impact at Studio Gang Architects, a Chicago-based architecture and urban design practice, where she advised private- and public- sector clients on urban design, community engagement and land use planning.
She also spent more than 10 years at the Chicago Park District, eventually serving as chief of staff after years of various leadership and urban development strategy roles.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity … to help deliver a world-class transportation system for Illinois,” said Biagi, who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. “Investments in our critical infrastructure connect our residents to the places they need to go, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in communities in every corner of our state,” she added.
Learn more about the Illinois DOT here.