Hastert joins Naperville firm in a strategic adviser position

After spending a lengthy career in the public sector, former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert has landed a private-sector job.

The Plano Republican, who resigned his congressional seat in November, will serve as a strategic adviser to a Naperville-based lighting technology and health-care information company.

Goeken Group Corp., announced the hire and said in a statement Thursday afternoon that Hastert will "be an influential part of our growth strategy."

A company spokesman did not have additional details about Hastert's role but said Hastert already has begun work. Hastert himself could not be reached for comment.

Located along the Naperville research and development corridor, Goeken is home to four subsidiary companies whose work ranges from pollution-free and energy-efficient lighting to health-care information services.

According to Goeken's Web site, its corporate mission is "the continual development of innovative solutions for the world's health, safety and security issues."

Hastert left his political office in November, about a year after losing the speaker's post to Rep. Nancy Pelosi as Democrats took control of the House with the 2006 mid-term elections.

Since then, Hastert has surfaced publicly in two capacities. Before the Feb. 4 Illinois primary, he served as the state's highest-profile supporter of then-presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.

More recently, he accepted an invitation from Gov. Rod Blagojevich to work with Democrat Glenn Poshard, Southern Illinois University president and former gubernatorial candidate, in formulating and promoting "Illinois Works," the governor's proposed $25 billion capital construction program.

Hastert this week reiterated his support for Jim Oberweis, the Republican candidate who lost a March 8 special election to complete Hastert's term in the 14th Congressional District. Bill Foster, a Geneva Democrat, won that election and was sworn into office last week. Foster's surprise victory has touched off widespread speculation about potential Democratic gains and Republican losses in the U.S. House in the November general election.

Oberweis, of Sugar Grove, and Foster will square off again in that election.

Hastert, who was a high-school teacher and coach and a state legislator before winning an election to Congress, could not be reached Thursday for comment on his new job.