Former Chicago alderman to head state department

A former Chicago alderman and former journalist and philanthropist have been appointed to Illinois state positions.

Gov. Pat Quinn announced Thursday that former Chicago Alderman Manny Flores will be secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Quinn also appointed the president of the Illinois chapter of AARP, Merri Dee, to the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

Quinn announced appointments to nearly 20 state boards, departments and commissions.