Giannoulias tapped to head community college board

Former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who lost a Democratic bid for the U.S. Senate last year, was named Wednesday as the new chairman of the Illinois Community College Board by Gov. Pat Quinn.

Giannoulias still must be confirmed by the Illinois Senate for the part-time, unpaid post. The 11-member board Giannoulias will lead is in charge of Illinois’ 48 community colleges.

“He’s got infinite energy and enthusiasm and ability,” Quinn said at a Chicago press conference announcing the appointment where he called Giannoulias “the right guy for the job.”

A former banker, Giannoulias, 35, is not an educator by profession and no stranger to Illinois politics. Besides serving one term as treasurer, he lost a high-profile campaign for President Barack Obama’s former U.S. Senate seat last year to Republican Mark Kirk.

Giannoulias said community colleges play a vital role in creating the well-trained work force that is essential to America’s success and they can help low-income people get the skills they need for better jobs.

“A quality education has always been the hallmark of a better life, a happier existence and a stronger nation,” he said.

Quinn wants Giannoulias to focus on increasing graduation rates so more Illinoisans hold a college degree. Giannoulias said community colleges need to match their courses to the needs of local businesses so more trained workers are available.

Giannoulias graduated from Boston University and holds a law degree from Tulane University. He is scheduled to teach a political science class this fall at Northwestern University.