East Central Reporter

Brad Halbrook, representative for Illinois House District 107, said that the appointment of Bryan Traubert, husband of Governor J.B. Pritzker's sister Penny, reflects poorly on a state grappling with corruption.

"Ethics check," said Halbrook, State Representative for 107th District (R), according to Facebook. "On Friday, Governor Pritzker appointed his own brother-in-law to serve on the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. The Governor's Office says this action does not violate the Illinois state employee code of personal conduct because the code “does not legally apply to a separate entity like the University of Illinois,” but it's certainly not a good look in a state struggling with public corruption."

According to a Chicago Tribune article, the Illinois State employee code of conduct prohibits state employees from appointing relatives to state positions. However, Pritzker’s office argues this does not violate the nepotism code because it "does not legally apply to a separate entity like the University of Illinois." A spokesperson for Pritzker also noted that the board position is unpaid.

Screenshot of State Representative Brad Halbrook's May 6 Facebook post | State Representative Brad Halbrook's Facebook page

Traubert’s term on the University of Illinois Board of Trustees runs from May 2, 2025, through January 20, 2031. The board oversees the university’s governance and management, including setting tuition and fees and determining courses of study. Each of the nine appointed trustees serves a six-year term, while the voting student trustee serves one year. All trustees must be confirmed by the state senate and be residents of Illinois.

Traubert is married to Penny Pritzker Traubert. He currently chairs the Pritzker Traubert Foundation and is vice chairman of the Executive Committee of the Chicago Community Trust. His biography at the Pritzker Traubert Foundation states he serves on several boards, including Lyric Opera of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre, and Loyola University. He has also served on the National Park Foundation Board and as president of the Chicago Park District Board.

Halbrook represents the 107th House District and previously served in other districts from 2012 to 2022. A Peoria native, Halbrook lives in Shelbyville with his wife where they own and operate a small farm.