Jay E. Stewart - Executive Director

The Better Government Association’s veteran staff attorney Jay Stewart returned to the BGA as its executive director in February 2004, after spending a year as general counsel to Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn.

Stewart began his legal career at the U.S. Department of Commerce, serving as a member of the Congressional Rapid Response Team, assisting the Office of U.S. Trade Representatives during the Congressional passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

He then joined the BGA as staff attorney and conducted public interest litigation, including lawsuits related to the BGA investigation of casino gambling and the "Licenses for Bribes" scandal. As is usual for BGA staff, he soon took on multiple roles within the office, including fundraising and personnel responsibilities. Before Stewart left the BGA for the Lt. Governor's office, he published the BGA Integrity Index, a project he designed to study the relative strength of state laws in areas related to open and accountable government.

As general counsel to Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, Stewart provided legal advice, drafted legislation and administrative rules, and served as a liaison with other state offices. He also assisted in press relations and worked with the Director of Operations in personnel and administrative legal matters.

Stewart has a bachelor’s degree with honors from the State University of New York and received his law degree, also with honors, from the DePaul University College of Law.

Dan Sprehe, CFE - Chief Investigator

Dan Sprehe came to the BGA in June 2004, bringing five years of experience in radio news reporting and two dozen awards for journalistic excellence. He spent more than three years at WUWM-Milwaukee Public Radio covering local government, including a 2002 Milwaukee County scandal that forced the resignation of the County Executive and the recall elections of 13 County Supervisors. His experience also includes stints as weekend anchor at WBEZ-Chicago Public Radio and reporter at Tri-States Public Radio in Macomb, Ill.

Since taking over the investigative program, Sprehe has worked to build strong relationships with sources and BGA media partners. His role as manager of the program includes evaluating whistleblower leads, obtaining evidence using public records laws and surveillance, and facilitating the release of BGA findings. In addition, he supervises the activities of interns and investigative staff, and maintains the BGA computer network, databases, and website.

Dan is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Western Illinois University.

Heidi Grossenbacher - Development and Communications Director

Heidi Grossenbacher joined the BGA staff in July 2004. She brings a strong background in fundraising, marketing and stewardship from her four-year post as Assistant Director of Development at Northwestern University School of Law.

As the Director of Development and Communications, Grossenbacher runs the BGA marketing, fundraising and membership programs. In addition to soliciting individual and major gifts and grants, Grossenbacher’s duties include publishing BGA newsletters, managing the logistics for the fall kickoff event and annual benefit, and overseeing the organization’s operating budget.

Grossenbacher began in the non-profit world in 1998 as a research assistant for the Celebrity Entertainment and Development offices of the United Service Organizations (USO) in Washington, DC.

Grossenbacher has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland.