The Illinois Senate has voted to confirm Gov. Bruce Rauner's appointments to the top posts of three state agencies.

Confirmed on Thursday were Hugo Chaviano (SHAH'-vee-ah-noh) as director of the Department of Labor, Philip Nelson as director of the Department of Agriculture and Erica Jeffries as director of the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Chaviano has 35 years of legal experience, including work as a mediator and arbitrator. Chaviano was previously a senior partner for Sanchez Daniels and Hoffman.

Nelson previously was president of the Illinois Farm Bureau. His farm near Seneca grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa and includes a cow-calf operation.

Jeffries is a former U.S. Army captain and Black Hawk pilot, with more than 10 years of additional experience in government and the private sector.