( 25News Now ) - Former Peoria area Congressman and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will succeed his friend Jim Edgar to run a program the late Illinois governor created to train future leaders.

The nonprofit Edgar Fellows board appointed LaHood as its Distinguished Director.

LaHood was a longtime Central Illinois congressman, serving as a Republican, until Democratic President Barack Obama selected him to the cabinet position.

Founded by Edgar in 2012 and affiliated with the University of Illinois, the bipartisan Edgar Fellows program brings together 40 early-to-mid-career professionals each year to participate in a leadership seminar.

Former Illinois First Lady Brenda Edgar released the following statement:

“Edgar Fellows is Jim’s living legacy to the State of Illinois.

See Full Page