CHICAGO– May 26, 2009 –The Better Governor Association (BGA), an 86-year old nonpartisan government watchdog, today named veteran political reporter Andy Shaw as its executive director. "I've spent my entire career asking politicians from presidents to park supervisors the tough questions about the governments they run with your hard-earned tax dollars. I've held their feet to the fire. And now, after a short break to recharge my batteries, I'm back,” Shaw said.
Shaw covered local, state and national politics for the past 26 years at WLS-TV. Shaw resigned as chief political reporter for WLS-TV in January, capping off a 37-year news career that included stints with WMAQ-TV, the Chicago Sun-Times and the City News Bureau.
‘The Better Government Association is Chicago's pre-eminent corruption-busting civic watchdog group, so I pick up the torch in the fight against waste, fraud and corruption with a keen knowledge of history and a deep sense of appreciation,” he added. “Let's get it on!"
Shaw is a graduate of University of Illinois at Chicago. He and his wife Mary live in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood and have three adult daughters. Shaw replaces Jay Stewart, who left the position in January to join the staff of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.
“In a time of unprecedented cronyism, corruption and economic peril, BGA faced a challenging task in our search for a new professional leader,” said BGA President Dave Lundy. “We needed someone who intimately understood Illinois politics and government, and was committed to change. Andy Shaw believes in fixing what’s wrong with government because he’s seen the mess up close and understands the consequences for real people.”
Last week, the BGA elected a new slate of officers to lead its board of directors. They are: Dave Lundy, President (Aileron Communications); Peg Daley, Vice President (Duff & Phelps); Jim Newcomb, Vice President - Development (Boeing); Bob Carson, Treasurer (Gould & Ratner); Sheila Henretta, Secretary (Jones, Day); Craig McCrohon, Assistant Secretary (Burke Warren).
About the Better Government Association
The BGA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit civic watchdog. Since 1923, the BGA has fought waste, corruption and inefficiency in state and local government. The BGA is a membership supported organization that relies on private funding for its operations. To support the BGA, visit www.bettergov.org/Join.html