A native of Illinois, Michael S. Schwartz has served as chairman of the Railroad Retirement Board since 2003. Schwartz received his Bachelor of Science degree in education from Illinois State University (1975) and his master’s in educational administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield (1980).

 

Schwartz began his career as an elementary school teacher in New Berlin, Illinois. He then moved into state government, serving under three governors. He served as assistant to the Director of Professional Regulation (1985-1986); executive assistant to the Director of Revenue (1986-1988); and assistant director of personnel in the governor’s office (1988-1989). Schwartz also served as associate director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) from 1989 to 1995 and then as director of CMS 1995 to 2002.