The Illinois Department of Central Management Services announced that Sarah Kerley, the Statewide Chief Administrative Officer, has recently been distinguished with the 2025 Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Award. Presented by the National Association of State Personnel Executives (NASPE), the honor recognizes Kerley's leadership and innovation in the field of state human resource management. This accolade comes to salute her role in revolutionizing Illinois' HR systems, emphasizing digital processes and inclusivity.
According to the CMS press release, Kerley has been instrumental in both modernizing and diversifying the function of state employment. She has successfully worked to reduce the hiring timeline significantly, implementing digital strategies and cutting down the days from 269 in 2019 to an average of 111 days in 2025 — a decrease of nearly 58%. Kerley's strategies also managed to notably increase the state's employee count to its highest since 2008 and to almost cut the vacancy rate in half, dropping it from 14% in 2019 down to 8%.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker commended Kerley's efforts, stating, "Sarah has updated and transformed how we recruit, hire, and retain talent across our state workforce," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This award is a well-deserved recognition of Sarah's outstanding leadership and service. Illinois is stronger because of her commitment to diversity, efficiency and innovation." Kerley's contribution has not only seen numerical growth in employee count but has also reflected the administration's resolved pursuit of a diverse and efficient public workforce.
Raven A. DeVaughn, CMS Director, spotlighted Kerley's depth of understanding about the intricacies of state government. DeVaughn mentioned that Kerley's insight has enabled her to reinvent the state's recruitment and retention approach with a sense of energy, creativity, and heart. As part of her innovative strides, the 'Really Great Careers' campaign launched by Kerley reached over 76 million people, as per DeVaughn's recognition of her colleague's achievements.
This award marks the second consecutive year that the Illinois CMS has been recognized by NASPE. The previous year, CMS' Bureau of Operational Excellence was the recipient of the Eva N. Santos Communication Award for its work in establishing the G.O.A.L. (Governor's Office Academy of Leadership) program, both awards reflecting a sustained commitment to excellence within the state's HR management sector.
