Harrisburg's Vivian Robinson named to Civil Service Commissioner by governor

HARRISBURG - Gov. J.B. Pritzker has named Vivian Robinson of Harrisburg to the Illinois Civil Service Commission, according to a news release from the governor's office.

The Civil Service Commission is a part of the state's personnel administration tasked with protecting employees and their rights. Chief among its duties, the commission oversees state employees' appeals of decisions affecting their jobs, whether it be a layoff, a firing, a suspension or a change in policy that detrimentally affects a worker.

Her experience with organized labor was a factor in the appointment, Robinson said Monday. She was a trustee, vice president and president of the American Federal, State and County Municipal Employees Local 1048.

"There were countless hours spent doing that," she said. "But, it was always worth it."

Robinson also spent 36 years as a social worker for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. In 1999, she received a congressional honor for her life's work to protect vulnerable children in southern Illinois.

In 2018, Robinson was named vice chairwoman of the Illinois Democratic Party. Earlier in 2018, she campaigned for and won the race for 15th Congressional District Democratic State Committeewoman. In that race, she competed with candidates from across the 15th Congressional District.

She said she's thrilled to be named to the commission.

"I am excited and proud to serve on the Civil Service Commission," Robinson said. "It is a real honor to serve the people of Illinois."

Robinson received her master's degree in social work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Her appointment was among about two dozen appointments by the governor to state boards and commissions.

According to the news release, Pritzker made the nominations to build a strong team of diverse experts in their fields.

All appointments are pending confirmation of the Illinois Senate.