Executive inspector general appointed
Gov. Bruce Rauner has announced he has appointed Susan Haling as Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor. Haling has more than six years of experience in the Office of the Inspector General (OEIG).
“A dedicated public servant for many years, Susan’s investigatory expertise makes her an ideal fit to lead the OEIG,” Gov. Rauner said. “She has demonstrated strong leadership and management experience, and I am confident she will be an asset to state employees and the public in this role.”
Haling previously served as the First Assistant Inspector General, where she supervised more than 70 employees in Chicago and Springfield, and managed more than 100 active investigations. She is also a former Assistant U.S. Attorney with more than nine years of experience in the Criminal Division of the Northern District of Illinois.
“I have been in public service my entire legal career and am humbled by this opportunity to serve the people of Illinois as the EIG,” Haling said.
Haling will succeed Maggie Hickey, who is pursuing an opportunity in the private sector.
“Susan Haling is an outstanding attorney, former prosecutor, and extremely knowledgeable about the Office of Executive Inspector General,” Hickey said. “The OEIG is in excellent hands. Susan has a wealth of experience and the utmost integrity. Having had the opportunity to work with her at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the OEIG, I have full confidence in her ability to lead independent and robust investigations.”
Haling earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law. Her husband, Theodore “TJ” Hengesbach, is the Inspector General of the Illinois Toll Highway. The OEIG does not have any statutory authority to direct the Toll Highway IG in its operations or investigations. As in the past, and consistent with general OEIG practice, Haling would be screened from any matters involving the Toll Highway Authority should any come to the OEIG.