Nathaniel S. (Nat) Shapo, 31, was appointed Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance by Governor George H. Ryan on January 12, 1999, effective January 19, 1999.

Mr. Shapo has worked for George Ryan since graduating from the University of Chicago in 1990. During Governor Ryan's tenure as Illinois Secretary of State, Mr. Shapo performed various duties, including policy work on literacy and traffic safety issues. He helped coordinate legislative strategy for Secretary Ryan's efforts to implement his Graduated Drivers Licensing program and to lower the legal blood alcohol limit to .08 percent.

Most recently, he served as Research Director for Ryan's successful 1998 gubernatorial campaign. He also served as co-counsel to the Ryan transition team.

In addition to his undergraduate degree (B.A. with honors in Political Science), Mr. Shapo received a J.D. (with honors) from the University of Chicago School of Law in 1998. He is a member of the Illinois Bar.

He lives on Chicago's north side with his wife, Elizabeth.