Pat Quinn (Democrat) was sworn in as the 41st Governor of Illinois on Jan. 29, 2009. He won election to a full term on Nov. 2, 2010.

Governor Quinn has focused on restoring integrity to state government and, in his first official act, signed an executive order establishing the Illinois Reform Commission to examine ethics rules and practices in state government. He also led passage of fundamental legislation to return integrity to the state pension boards, ensure state agency compliance with Freedom of Information laws and increase transparency of state boards and commissions.

Dedicated to investing in Illinois’ economy, Quinn worked with the General Assembly to pass a $31 billion capital construction jobs program to create and retain more than 436,000 jobs over six years. Since taking office he has made tough, responsible choices to ensure that the state of Illinois can afford to pay its bills.

The Governor’s efforts to boost the Illinois economy include passing business and tech-friendly legislation that strengthens Illinois’ place as capitol of the Midwest. He created the Illinois Innovation Council to promote and attract innovation-driven entrepreneurs to the state. For his work increasing Illinois’ economic, scientific, and technological output,. Quinn was named the 2011 Governor of the Year by the Biotechnology Industry Organization. In addition to working to double state exports by 2015, he has also made significant investments in transportation, education and healthcare infrastructure that will create jobs and keep Illinois competitive in the 21st Century global economy.

Quinn has served the people of Illinois for more than 30 years as both a citizen and a public official. He has organized grassroots petition drives signed by more than 4 million voters, walked across the state in support of decent health care for all, and proposed historic tax reform for working families. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2002 and re-elected in 2006, serving until his succession as Governor in January 2009, and served one term as State Treasurer from 1991 to 1995. He also served as commissioner of the Cook County Board of (Property) Tax Appeals and as revenue director for the City of Chicago.

As Lieutenant Governor, Quinn created the Illinois Military Family Relief Act, which provides financial assistance to families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists called to active duty. The fund has distributed more than $10 million to Illinois military families.

Quinn was born in Chicago and raised in Hinsdale and graduated from Northwestern University School of Law and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. He is the father of two sons.