Overview
BFKN is thrilled to announce that Allison N. Powers has been selected as the newest Commissioner for the State of Illinois Executive Ethics Commission.
“I am honored to have been appointed by the Governor to assist the State of Illinois in this key role while fulfilling my personal commitment to public service. Investing in the public good through my appointment, and at the same time maintaining a successful private practice, is an ideal way for me to find career balance as a practicing attorney. My experience guiding clients through issues involving ethical considerations in employment will allow me to add value to the Commission’s work and help ensure that the State's business is conducted with efficiency, transparency, fairness, and integrity for years to come.” — Allison N. Powers
Allison is an experienced litigator with expertise in complex and single-plaintiff discrimination, harassment, and other claims. She also devotes a significant portion of her time to counseling clients facing a variety of workplace challenges, including sensitive internal investigations and projects related to addressing diversity and inclusion issues in public or crisis situations. Allison will serve on the Executive Ethics Commission alongside her role as a Partner.
The Executive Ethics Commission is a key agency for sweeping ethics reform for the State of Illinois. The Commission provides more definitive rules regarding what constitutes improper use of state time and resources, improves ethics training and reporting procedures, and establishes strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure ethics rules are followed. The nine-member Commission, eight of whom are women with Allison's appointment, reviews and determines appropriate action in cases brought forward by the executive inspectors general and represented by the Attorney General.
“We are excited for Allison’s selection on the Executive Ethics Commission. Her commitment to ethics within our firm, and in her work with her clients and her community is inspiring and pushes all of us to raise the bar in everything that we do.” — Roger H. Stetson