Dana Hooven appointed as MIG Secretariat

Dana Hooven

SPRINGFIELD - At the November 9 Model Illinois Government Executive Board Meeting, the MIG board appointed Dana Hooven to serve as MIG Secretariat.

Hooven is a four-year MIG alumni, having participated in MIG as a delegate with Southeastern Illinois College from 2014 until 2017.

During her time in MIG, Hooven served as a lobbyist, representative, and senator. She won the Robert Kent Award for outstanding lobbyist in 2014 as well as the David Hunt award for outstanding committee chair in 2015 and 2016.

In her professional career, Hooven serves as a Legislative Assistant for State Sen. Dale Fowler of Harrisburg. Hooven credits MIG and Southeastern Illinois College Advisor Matt Lees for inspiring her to pursue a career in government and public service, an experience she hopes to pay forward for future delegates.

"I know it sounds silly, but MIG changed my life," Hooven said. "I was in nursing for over 20 years. In 2014, Mr. Lees opened the door, and now I manage the Capitol and District offices for Illinois State Sen. Dale Fowler."

"The Model Illinois Government Organization provided me with a platform to pursue my passion for improving the way we are governed, and for that, I am eternally grateful," she added.

Hooven replaces outgoing MIG Secretariat Kevin Kulavic, who stepped down last year after nearly 10 years of service in that role.

As Secretariat, Hooven will be a non-voting advisor to the MIG Executive Board and organization as a whole. In accordance with the MIG constitution, the MIG Secretariat does not have a term limit.