- Heather Steans
Infobox_State_Senator
name=Heather Steans
state_senate=Illinois
state=Illinois
district=7th
term=2008 -
preceded=Carol Ronen
succeeded=Incumbent
party=Democratic
date of birth=May 8, 1963
place of birth=Lake Forest, Illinois
date of death=
place of death=
spouse=
profession=Trustee of the Steans Family Foundation
religion=Heather Steans is a Democratic member of the
Illinois Senate , representing the 7th district after a special election in February2008 to fillCarol Ronen 's unexpired term after her resignation in January.Steans received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in
Urban Studies fromPrinceton University and earned a Masters degree inPublic Policy from Harvard University’sJohn F. Kennedy School of Government where she serves on the Dean’s Alumni Leadership Council. Steans and her husband, Leo Smith moved to the Lakewood-Balmoral neighborhood in Chicago 14 years ago to raise their three children, Ryan, Sam and Abby. She is well known as a philanthropist and fundraiser.As an advocate for good public policy, Heather’s professional career has focused on government finance, economic development and education reform efforts.
The following are some of her current and past accomplishments:Managed the budgets of state agencies in Illinois and Wisconsin where she improved customer service and reduced costs.Developed the Chicago Public Schools’ multi-year strategic plan that produced education reforms.Directed urban economic development initiatives for the Civic Committee.Successfully launched programs to increase housing and asset development and promote job growth in Chicago.
In addition, Heather has promoted strong community forums and child development initiatives as a member of the Boards of WBEZ Public Radio and the Erickson Institute. She also is a past chair of the Donor’s Forum located within the city of Chicago.
External links
* [http://www.heathersteans.com/ Senator Heather Steans (D) 7th District] Official Legislative Website
* [http://ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=95&MemberID=1352 Illinois General Assembly - Senator Heather Steans (D) 7th District] Official Illinois Senate Website
** [http://ilga.gov/senate/SenatorBills.asp?MemberID=1352 Bills] , [http://ilga.gov/senate/SenCommittees.asp?MemberID=1352 Committees]
* [http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=101672 Project Vote Smart - Heather Steans] Profile
* [http://www.senatedem.ilga.gov/page_display.asp?PID=29 Illinois State Senate Democrats - Senator Heather Steans] Profile
* [http://www.steansfamilyfoundation.org/ Steans Family Foundation]
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