NASCA Press Release: Patrick Nolan Announced as 20 Under 40 Award Recipient

For Immediate Release
May 22, 2025

Contact: Elizabeth Whitehouse, Executive Director, executivedirector@nasca.org

NASCA Press Release: Patrick Nolan Announced as 20 Under 40 Award Recipient

Springfield, IL — The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) proudly announces Patrick Nolan, Chief of Staff at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), as a NASCA 2025 20 Under 40 Award winner. This prestigious award recognizes 20 outstanding individuals from across the country for their exceptional contributions to state government.

As Chief of Staff, Nolan plays a vital role in aligning agency priorities, supporting leadership initiatives, and driving performance across CMS’s enterprise functions—including personnel, procurement, fleet, and facilities management. With previous experience in higher education analytics and nonprofit leadership, he brings a unique, data-driven approach to state operations.

Nolan’s work has helped drive a 12% increase in state employment and a 20% rise in diversity among new hires. He has been central to strategic planning and legislative success, earning deep respect across agencies and the Governor’s Office.

Raven DeVaughn, Director of the Department of Central Management Services, applauded Nolan’s exceptional versatility.

“Pat is the foundational cornerstone of the progress of not only the agency but the progress of Illinois' state government in the last five years.”

DeVaughn continued, “Pat serves as the strategic planning backbone of the agency, aligning our priorities with available resources, trends, and outcomes. Pat has had to master being a jack of all the areas of responsibility within CMS, gaining the unfettered respect of his colleagues and the Governor's Office. Pat is an absolutely invaluable member of our leadership team. Pat is an absolute ROCK STAR and we are grateful for his service to Illinois.”

Prior to his work with the State, Nolan spent seven years in higher education. He most recently served as Director of Analytics at the University of Chicago. Before that, he spent five years in non-profit work in Chicago and Belize. Nolan holds master’s degrees in both business administration and public policy, and an undergraduate degree in philosophy.

Founded in 1976, NASCA is the nation’s only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving chief administrative officers or CAOs. NASCA provides a forum for state chief administrative officers to exchange information and learn new ideas from each other and private sector partners. NASCA engages states in transforming government operations through shared knowledge, operational excellence, and thought leadership.

For more information on NASCA, please visit NASCA.org.