SPRINGFIELD -- The man picked to run Illinois' prison system acknowledged Wednesday he didn't inform his old bosses in Ohio of a possible conflict of interest that benefited an old college buddy.

Michael Randle, who was chosen by Gov. Pat Quinn in May to serve as director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, was on the hot seat Wednesday as members of the Illinois Senate Executive Appointments committee considered whether to recommend Randle to the $150,000-per-year post overseeing one of Illinois' largest agencies.

State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, asked Randle about the results of an investigative report that accused Randle of not disclosing his personal relationship with college friend Keith Key when Randle was working in Ohio's prison system.

The Ohio report notes Randle did not benefit financially from Key's arrangement, but the deal cost taxpayers there about $40,000 in added costs.

Randle said he should have revealed his friendship with Key.

"I would characterize it as not going a step further and actually reporting a relationship that started 25 years ago in college," Randle told the panel.

That answer appeared to appease members of the panel, who recommended on an 8-0 vote Wednesday that Randle be approved for the job.

A vote on Randle's fate by the full Senate is expected to come this week.