Key figure in Rauner's administration steps down

Linda Lingle, a key figure in Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration, stepped down Friday, the governor's office said.

Lingle, who served as Hawaii's governor from 2002 to 2010, was chief operating officer in Rauner's administration. She joined Rauner's staff when he took office in January 2015.

"I thank Linda Lingle for her service to the people of Illinois," Rauner said in a statement. "Linda made a commitment to help us with our transformation efforts, and she has done a great job of helping to move our state in a new, positive direction."

In a statement, Lingle said, "I believe in the work Governor Rauner is doing to turn around the state of Illinois and am honored to have served in his administration working toward transforming government operations."

Deputy Governor Trey Childress will take on the additional role of chief operating officer, according to the governor's office.

Also Friday, Rauner announced that Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett is resigning. She will be replaced by Alec Messina, who is currently Rauner's policy adviser for environment and energy.