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Office of Homeland Security
Welcome
In Illinois, Homeland Security is defined by its commitment to utilizing education and prevention strategies to enhance safety and resilience. In doing so, we safeguard all Illinoisans and our critical infrastructure from a diverse array of hazards, whether natural or human-made.
As the central coordinating entity for Homeland Security in Illinois, The Office of Homeland Security prioritizes bridging gaps, building capacity, and integrating prevention-based initiatives among various State Agencies, Commissions, and Boards.
This unified and comprehensive approach allows each entity to maintain autonomy over their respective programs while ensuring alignment with the strategic goals, objectives, and outcomes outlined in the State’s Homeland Security Strategy. Through this collaborative effort, Illinois demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding its residents and infrastructure, ensuring resilience and security for years to come.
Meet Our Homeland Security Staff
Alicia Tate-Nadeau
Alicia Tate-Nadeau was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to serve as the Illinois Homeland Security Advisor in January 2019. In her capacity as Illinois Homeland Security Advisor, Tate-Nadeau serves on the Executive Committee for the Governor's Homeland Security Advisor Council.
Tate-Nadeau also serves on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, as Regional Vice President of the Homeland Security Committee for the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), the Cybersecurity Committee for the Council of Governors and is nominated for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).
Tate-Nadeau brings more than three decades of experience in national security, emergency management, and public safety issues. Prior to this appointment, Tate-Nadeau served as Executive Director of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications where she implemented and managed the third largest 9-1-1 call center in the nation and procured all information and technology for public safety in the City of Chicago.
Ms. Tate-Nadeau was the first female general in Illinois history and completed her military service as the Assistant Adjutant General for the Illinois National Guard with a concurrent assignment as the Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard, United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as well as overseas tours in Iraq and Israel. Ms. Tate-Nadeau was the first National Guard liaison to Israel serving a three year tour to the Israel Home front Command.
Tate-Nadeau is also active in several civic organizations. She serves on the American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois Regional Board of Directors. In her capacity as Retired Brigadier General, Tate-Nadeau, is a member of Mission: Readiness, the nonpartisan national security organization of over 700 retired admirals and generals who strengthen national security by ensuring kids stay in school, stay fit, and stay out of trouble.
Mission & Vision
Illinois’ Homeland Security mission is to create a safer and more resilient State by prioritizing education and prevention, and empower all Illinoisians, community, and organization with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to identify, mitigate, and prevent potential threats. All of this done in an effort to ensure the well-being and security of our residents and critical infrastructure.
We envision an Illinois where education and prevention are the primary drivers of security and strive for a future where proactive preparedness is a way of life. This represents an Illinois where every resident is an active participant in their own securty, and necessitates the collaborative efforts of government and community stakeholders.
Through education and prevention, we will build a State that is not just better prepared but also actively prevents crises, making our homeland truly secure for generations to come.