A former aide to General David Petraeus has been nominated to be director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Governor Pat Quinn said Friday that Erica Borggren will be taking over the position vacated by Iraq War Veteran Dan Grant, who is leaving the position to attend Harvard’s Masters of Business program.

Quinn says he expects “unanimous approval” of Borggren by the state Senate.

“David Petraeus is a pretty good reference, don’t you think Erica?” said Quinn, addressing Borggren. “I could read for a long time what he has said about Erica. ‘Matchless ability to research and analyze the most complex issues.’ ‘Exemplary in every respect.‘”

Borggren is an Army Veteran and served as a senior staffer and speechwriter for General Petraeus.

“As a daughter of Illinois, and as a veteran myself, I can think of no more exciting or worthwhile endeavor than this one,” she said. Borggren also praised Illinois and the Governor, saying the state is “at the forefront of the veteran community.”

Previous Veterans’ Affair director Tammy Duckworth also supports the nomination. Duckworth recently announced her run for Congress in the 8th District of Illinois.