Prairie State Wire

Gov. Bruce Rauner has tapped Susan Haling as executive inspector general for the agencies of the Illinois governor.

A six-year veteran in the Office of Inspector General (OEIG), Haling will succeed Maggie Hickey, who is pursuing an opportunity in the private sector, a release from Rauner's office said.

“A dedicated public servant for many years, Susan’s investigatory expertise makes her an ideal fit to lead the OEIG,” Rauner said in the release. “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.”

Susan Haling | State of Illinois website photo

A former federal prosecutor, Haling previously served as the first assistant inspector general. In that role, she supervised more than 70 employees in Chicago and Springfield, and managed more than 100 active investigations.

Haling’s work as a prosecutor also includes more than nine years 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 in the release.

Among those convinced that Haling figures as a natural for the position is the person she is replacing.

“Susan Haling is an outstanding attorney, former prosecutor, and extremely knowledgeable about the Office of Executive Inspector General,” Hickey said in the release “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 holds a Juris Doctorate from the DePaul University College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame. Her husband, Theodore “TJ” Hengesbach, is the inspector general of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.