Posted by Monique Garcia and Michelle Manchir at 4:35 p.m.
The director of one of the state’s largest social service agencies resigned today after a seven-year tenure in which the department came under frequent fire as former Gov. Rod Blagojevich sought to expand services against the wishes of lawmakers.
Barry Maram, director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, announced his resignation today via press release. He will remain in his current position until Gov. Pat Quinn names a replacement, which the administration said will happen “shortly.”
Mike Claffey, a spokesman for the health care agency, said Maram simply felt that it was the right time to leave.
“He feels that after seven years in a tough and demanding job, that it was time to move on,” Claffey said. “He feels that he has achieved a tremendous amount in this time, and that this is the right decision.”
Claffey said Maram does not currently have any other career plans, but will assist with the leadership transition and the state’s efforts to implement federal healthcare reforms.
Maram was first appointed to his post by Blagojevich in 2003, at one point clashing with lawmakers during the former governor’s impeachment after he refused to answer questions about efforts to expand health care. At the time he cited an ongoing court case challenging the expansion of state-sponsored health care coverage, which Blagojevich wanted to offer to people with incomes of up to $83,000 a year for a family of four.
Lawmakers shot down the idea, but the administration signed people up anyway. Maram defended the program but said he did not know who initiated the controversial expansion.
Maram was also cited earlier this year for failing to properly supervise his former chief of staff Tamara Hoffman, who was the target of a critical internal investigation.
Maram’s leadership was praised by Quinn and fellow Chicago Democrats House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, who said Maram worked diligently to improve the agency.
“Throughout his tenure, Barry has been a tireless advocate for children, working parents and seniors,” Quinn said in a statement. “The people of Illinois have been well-served by him and we wish him well.”
Maram has an annual salary of $142,000, according to the comptroller’s office.