Jonathon E. Monken, Director

Jonathon E. 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.