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Locke Lord Chicago Partner and former Illinois State Senator Kirk Dillard has been appointed as a member of the Western Illinois University (WIU) Board of Trustees by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Dillard holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Doctorate of Humane Letters from WIU and served multiple terms as President of its award-winning Alumni Council.
“Senator Kirk Dillard has been an advocate for the public for over thirty years,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Dillard concentrates his practice in business and governmental relations, and in the representation of manufacturers in product liability prevention and litigation. He is currently the Chairman of the Regional Transit Authority in metropolitan Chicago — the nation’s second largest mass transit system. He also serves as the Independent Chair of the privately owned Chicago Skyway Toll Road. Dillard was also recently reappointed to the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, which was created to assist and advise the Illinois Supreme Court in acquiring, collecting, preserving and cataloging documents, artifacts and information relating to the Illinois judiciary. The Commission seeks to accomplish much of its work in partnership with historical and cultural institutions; bar associations; universities; law schools; and federal, state and local agencies. Dillard has served as a Commissioner since 2012.
Dillard served in the Illinois Senate, representing Chicagoland’s western suburbs. He held a number of key leadership positions while in the General Assembly — including Chairman of the Judiciary Committee before stepping down in 2014 to assume the RTA chairmanship. Prior to his election to the Senate, Dillard served with distinction as former Governor Edgar’s Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to the late Governor James R. Thompson. Sen. Dillard also served as a Judge on the Illinois Court of Claims.
Dillard resides in Hinsdale with his wife Stephanie and two daughters who attend local colleges.
Additional information on Dillard and his appointment can be found here.
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