Illinois Municipal League Elected John C. Lewis President
The Mount Vernon mayor will lead the organization representing nearly 1,300 cities and towns.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
Members of the Illinois Municipal League elected Mount Vernon Mayor John C. Lewis as their new president during the group's 113th annual conference. Lewis, who previously served on the organization's board, will lead the league for a one-year term.
Why it matters
The league serves as a collective voice for 1,294 Illinois municipalities, and this leadership change establishes the group's priorities for the coming year. These officers are tasked with representing the interests of local governments across the state.
The Illinois Municipal League represents 1,294 municipalities across the state. John C. Lewis, who spent 25 years with the Illinois State Police, will serve a one-year term as president.
The players
John C. Lewis
He is the mayor of Mount Vernon and a former 25-year veteran of the Illinois State Police.
Rita Ali
She serves as the mayor of Peoria and has been elected to the role of first vice president for the league.
Mark Kownick
He serves as the village president of Cary and was elected to the role of second vice president.
Illinois Municipal League
Founded in 1913, this organization represents 1,294 cities, villages, and towns throughout the state.
The details
The election took place at the Hyatt Regency Chicago during the association's annual meeting. Alongside Lewis, the group elected Peoria Mayor Rita Ali as first vice president and Cary Village President Mark Kownick as second vice president.
Timeline
The Illinois Municipal League was founded in 1913.
John C. Lewis was elected mayor of Mount Vernon in 2017.
Lewis began serving on the IML board of directors in 2019.
The 113th IML Annual Conference began on September 19, 2026.
Members elected the new IML officers on September 19, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the organizational structure established at the 113th IML Annual Conference. It maintains continuity for the league's advocacy efforts on behalf of Illinois municipal governments.
As the league represents nearly 1,300 local governments, this change in leadership may influence how municipal concerns are presented to state officials. Residents in these municipalities may see shifting priorities in the lobbying efforts of their local representatives.
The takeaway
The election of experienced local mayors to the league's executive board ensures that the organization remains focused on issues relevant to small and large communities alike. The incoming leadership will spend the next year managing the collective goals of the nearly 1,300 member municipalities.
Further reading
For more information on organizational leaders in the state, visit the Illinois People section.
