Roxanne Nava, Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
As Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity since 2004, Roxanne Nava has had a significant impact on revitalizing Illinois’ local economics via technical and financial assistance to businesses, local governments, educational institutions, and the Illinois workforce.
Previously, as Director of Financial Institutions for the State of Illinois, Nava was responsible for the administration and enforcement of twelve statutes in the Financial Institutions Code that governed approximately 21,000 licensees. Nava’s advocacy of the protection of consumer rights, development of policies allowing businesses to develop and prosper, and promotion of State-wide workshops were key to the promotion of financial literacy in Illinois.
Professional Achievements
Nava, as Assistant Director of DCEO, joins the Director in leading the day-to-day efforts of administering the most aggressive, innovative approach to creating jobs in Illinois history. Nava collaborates with businesses, communities and residents in an effort to create economic growth and social well-being for all of Illinois’ constituents. Nava is responsible for new business, client services, developing the department’s annual budget, and ultimately implementing the State’s resources in the execution of regional economic development projects. Nava’s goal is to develop partnerships through public-private investment leading to strong economies and even stronger communities.
Nava has been able to utilize her 20 years experience in the financial sector to attract business to Illinois, encouraging investment and trade. These efforts have helped numerous businesses expand or relocate to Illinois having significantly impacting the creation and retention of thousands of jobs.
Prior to her role at the DCEO, Nava served as the Director for the State of Illinois’ Department of Financial Institutions. There, her passion for financial literacy, accompanied by her extensive background in finance, facilitated the department’s managing of over 21,000 professional licenses in the State of Illinois.
While in the private sector, Nava had an array of positions in all areas of the financial sector, ranging from commercial banking to real estate. As a Vice President of Northern Trust Bank, Nava was accountable for letters of credit, industrial revenue, bonds, term loans and lines of credit for middle market businesses. Through her years experience in the financial sector, Nava also acquired extensive relationships that have translated successfully into the public and non-profit sectors.
Nava holds a bachelor's of science in finance at DePaul University and has completed management courses at Harvard University, Kellogg School of Management, and is a MBA candidate at National Lewis University. Nava resides in Chicago with her two boys: Michaelangelo and Jose de Jesus.
Civic Involvement
Nava has served as a mayoral appointee to the city of Colleges of Chicago Board of Trustees. Additional board participation includes but not limited to: the Illinois Hispanic chamber of Commerce, the General E. Woods boys and Girls Club of Chicago and Eighteenth Street Development Corporation, the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Illinois, Latino Advisory Board of the Cook County State’s Attorney, 2010 Fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago, 2010 Chicago Green Advisory Board, and the Illinois Latino Family Commission.
