Geneva man named to top commerce post

A former top staff member for U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren has been named to lead Illinois' economic development agency.

Gov. Bruce Rauner Friday afternoon appointed Sean McCarthy of Geneva to be the director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

McCarthy most recently worked on economic development in Rauner's office and now will lead an agency that oversees tax credits for businesses and other development programs. He has also worked for Nicor Gas.

The post pays $142,339 per year, according to state documents, and is subject to Senate confirmation.

Earlier this year, Rauner signed an executive order to have the agency collaborate with a nonprofit for economic development work.