A public service career continues for Rocco Claps ’83, who was reappointed as director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s decision makes Claps the longest-serving director in the agency’s history. The School of Communication alum is also the first openly gay agency director in Illinois.
Claps has held the position since 2003, working with legislators to expand the Illinois Human Rights Act and the scope of human and civil rights laws in Illinois—including Illinois’ first statewide law to protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. He oversees nearly 150 employees with a budget of more than $14 million.
