Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates has been appointed as the new leader of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, as announced by the union on Saturday.

Her election comes as part of a fresh leadership team for the organization. Gates highlighted that this new leadership slate embodies a comprehensive representation of the state’s diverse educational landscape.

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Davis Gates has been at the helm of the Chicago Teachers Union since 2022 and has also served as the executive vice president for the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

“Whether a child’s only hot meal of the day is removed from school budgets on the southside of Chicago or in Cahokia, the impact is the same,” Davis Gates remarked in a statement. “Our members have selected leaders who reflect every facet of our state and every stage of a student’s educational journey. They are ready to advocate for promises made by politicians in Springfield that remain unfulfilled for students across all districts in Illinois.”

Dan Montgomery, the former president of the IFT, led the union with distinction for 15 years.

“Dan’s tenure is marked by a legacy of bravery, empathy, and steadfast leadership. He was instrumental in establishing the IFT as a formidable advocate for justice in Illinois,” Davis Gates stated.

The union has also elected other leadership officers, including IFT Secretary-Treasurer and Southwest Area Council (SWAC) President Cyndi Oberle-Dahm as Executive Vice President, President of the North Suburban Teachers Union Local 1274 Pankaj Sharma as Secretary-Treasurer, and President of the University Professional of Illinois (UPI) Local 4100 John Miller as Membership Secretary.