Illinois ASBO and IASA Welcome Two New Members to Our Legislative Team
With the retirement of Calvin Jackson and David Wood from Illinois ASBO's legislative team and the near retirement of Diane Hendren from IASA, we are pleased to announce the addition of two members to Illinois ASBO and IASA's shared governmental relations team, Madeline McCune and Emily Warnecke. Both bring unique experiences that will prove valuable to bringing forward the issues that matter most to school officials.
Madeline McCune, Director of Governmental Relations (pictured left)
Madeline McCune came into this position in October 2021 from the Illinois House of Representatives, where she served as Research and Budget Analyst. In her duties, she worked directly with lobbyists, agencies and legislators to negotiate education policy. As Director of Governmental Relations, she works closely with legislators, the governor’s office, the Illinois State Board of Education and other stakeholders on public policy matters that impact public education. Madeline also provides updates and analysis to IASA and Illinois ASBO members on legislative proposals and the potential impact on schools.
In her last five years on staff at the House, Madeline has working between legislators and advocacy groups and helping them connect. Seeing the good work advocacy organizations do inspired her to apply for this position. She is excited to get get hands-on experience in the world of school administrators to see firsthand what works and how she can help. "I am excited to focus my energy representing people who really care about education issues and help push the agenda for good policy."
Emily Warnecke, Director of Public Relations and Deputy Director of Governmental Relations (pictured right)
Emily will join the team in January 2022 after 11 years in education at East Alton School District 13, where she started off as a school psychologist for two years, followed by serving as the Director of Student Services and eventually serving four years as Superintendent. Working in an elementary district of around 800 students, she wore a lot of hats, including that of the school business official. Her role will include assisting with legislative advocacy and representing the views of school business officials across the state when working with legislators.
Emily was first drawn to legislative advocacy in education in her fist year as Superintendent when she attended a new superintendent conference session presented by Diane Hendren. She was intrigued by the legislative process, and in the following years as a superintendent she came to understand on a deeper level the impact of legislation on her day-to-day work. She is most excited about bringing her experience in the field to her new role. "Madeline has such a strong legislative background but less experience in the field, so I think we will be able to complement each other and work well together."