Jonathon E. Monken, Director, Illinois Emergency Management
Donald Kauerauf, Chairman, Illinois Terrorism Task Force
Jonathon E. Monken, Director, Illinois Emergency ManagementJonathon Monken was appointed by Governor Pat Quinn as Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) on February 14, 2011. As director, Mr. Monken oversees Illinois' disaster preparedness and response, nuclear safety and homeland security programs, as well as the agency's 225+ employees and a budget of more than $618 million. In this capacity, he also serves as the Illinois Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor.
Prior to becoming IEMA director, Monken served for two years as Director of the Illinois State Police. As director, he was in charge of a staff of 3,400 sworn and civilian personnel in five major divisions, including the third largest crime laboratory system in the world, and an annual agency budget of approximately $428 million.
Monken graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where his military class rank placed him in the top 1% of his class. He currently is completing a Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Honors received while at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point include the Superintendent's Award for Excellence for Best Company and Commandant's Award for Most Outstanding Company Commander.
Jonathon Monken possesses a distinguished military career having served one tour of duty in Kosovo and two tours of duty in Iraq between January 2003 and December 2006. Leadership positions during his tours of duty included Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Company Commander. While serving with the United States Army, Captain Monken was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with Device for valor in combat. In addition, Monken is the recipient of the 2005 American Red Cross Illinois Hometown Hero Award for Fox Valley.
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Donald Kauerauf, Chairman, Illinois Terrorism Task Force
Donald Kauerauf is Chairman of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force (ITTF). In this position, he is responsible for providing strategic policy and support recommendations to the Director of Homeland Security in Illinois and to the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency in the areas of statewide homeland security preparedness, prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities. Mr. Kauerauf's responsibilities also include the management and administrative oversight of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Grant Program.
Prior to his employment with the ITTF, Mr. Kauerauf served as Chief of the Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response for the Illinois Department of Public Health, where he was responsible for the coordination of response and recovery operations for bioterrorism and other statewide public health emergencies.
Mr. Kauerauf began his state government career in 1987, serving as Assistant to the Chief of Operations for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. In this capacity, he was directly responsible for various disaster response and preparedness activities. During "The Great Mississippi River Flooding of 1993," Mr. Kauerauf was responsible for the implementation of a potable water distribution system for citizens in Madison and Macoupin Counties in Illinois, who were without water service that summer.
Mr. Kauerauf received his Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.
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