Letter from the Chairman
During September, as usual, the Board had substantial actions in
several rulemakings and contested cases. For details, please visit our
website at www.ipcb.state.il.us.The remainder of this letter will be
devoted to honoring the service of departing Board Member, Gary
Blankenship, and welcoming new Board Member, Jennifer A. Burke.
Board Member Blankenship was appointed to the Board in
2008.Before joining the Board, he had served since 1981 as the
Business Manager and Financial Secretary Treasurer for Plumbers &
Pipefitters Local #422, a 1350-member organization in Joliet. In
addition, he has served as Vice President of the Illinois Pipe Trades
Association, Financial Secretary for the Will and Grundy Counties Building Trades Council, and
was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee for the United Association of Plumbers and
Pipefitters International Union. He also implemented a five-year training program for Pipefitter
Apprentices that included constructing and maintaining air and water pollution control systems.
Member Blankenship’s commitment and experience contributed immeasurably to the Board’s
work. Member Blankenship has earned the appreciation, respect, and friendship of many
persons, particularly his fellow Board members and the Board’s staff. He has our fond best
wishes for success and happiness in all of his future endeavors.
Jennifer A. Burke was appointed to the Board on September 12, 2011, by Governor Pat Quinn.
Prior to joining the Board, Member Burke served as Senior Counsel to the City of Chicago in the
Department of Law. While at the City of Chicago, Member Burke focused on environmental
matters including Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ( RCRA) litigation, brownfield
redevelopment, and compliance with air, waste, asbestos, and lead regulations. Member Burke
previously was a partner in the law firm of Jenner & Block in Chicago representing clients in
various environmental matters including environmental enforcement, toxic tort litigation,
insurance coverage litigation, cost recovery litigation, and environmental due diligence in
corporate transactions.
Member Burke received her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law and the Bachelor of
Science degree in Biology from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Member Burke
lives in Chicago. Her professional experience and educational background will be a valuable
addition to the Board. We extend our congratulations on her appointment and look forward to
working together as Members of the Pollution Control Board.
Sincerely,
Dr. G. Tanner Girard
