Rodrigo Garcia, MBA
Agency Assistant Director
Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs
University of Illinois/Chicago
At age 29, Garcia was the recipient of an executive appointment by the governor of Illinois Governor in October 2011 and was subsequently confirmed by the Illinois State Senate in November, 2011. In his role, Garcia serves as the second-in-command over an agency with 1,200+ employees, numerous statewide facilities including one under design & development, a sizeable budget and a critical mission to support nearly one million veterans. Garcia also serves as board chairman for both the Student Veterans of America and the National Hispanic Life Science Society. His work has been recognized by the Adelante Leadership Fund, Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Miller Coors & Partners, National Society of Hispanic MBAs, Northeastern Illinois University, President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, State of Illinois, Student Veterans of America, University of Illinois, and Marine Corps. Garcia was previously employed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
