Chicago Tribune biz reporter takes state government job

Sandra Jones, a Chicago Tribune business reporter who covered retail, has left the paper to become a spokesman for an Illinois state department.

Jones will join the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as the new director of communications effective May 7.

As communications director, Jones will oversee the department’s external communications efforts regarding job creation, business recruitment and retention, and advancing the state’s economic prosperity.

Jones also reported for Crain’s Chicago Business and Bloomberg News. During her 20 years in the field, she has investigated and reported on corporate developments, consumer spending and the economy, focusing in particular on the retail, technology, and transportation sectors.

“Jones brings a deep knowledge of the Illinois economy and its vibrant business community,” said David Vaught, acting director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in a statement. “We are looking forward to her contribution as the state works to raise Illinois’ profile as a global competitor.”

She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a winner of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers award for enterprise reporting.

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