URBANA, IL — In a highly competitive process, forty-one public policy leaders from across Illinois have been selected for the 2025 class of the Edgar Fellows Program. The group will meet for the first time at their Executive Leadership Training Program held August 3 through 7 at the I-Hotel and Conference Center on the University of Illinois (U of I) campus in Urbana-Champaign. The Illinois State Medical Society is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 leadership training week
Established in 2012, the Edgar Fellows Program is a leadership initiative designed by former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar to inspire respectful collaboration in addressing the state’s major challenges. The Fellows selected for the class of 2025 reflect Illinois’ political, racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity. They include elected and appointed officials from all levels of government; leaders of non-profit and labor organizations; and individuals who are influencing public policy in the business world.
“Each year, the Edgar Fellows Program brings together a group of leaders with different backgrounds and different politics from across Illinois,” Gov. Edgar said. “Though they each have their own unique life experiences, they find out that they have more in common than they have that separates them.
“With each class, it has been gratifying to watch people who were strangers on Sunday become good friends by Thursday. It’s what the Edgar Fellows program is all about, finding common ground and respect, so that our Fellows can work together to help shape a better Illinois.”
During their time in Champaign, the new Fellows will engage with exceptional leaders and experienced public policy practitioners who are experts in issues that include restorative justice, Illinois’ electric capacity, immigration, workforce development, philanthropies, Medicaid, and the state budget. More importantly, they will learn from each other and begin building relationships that will last throughout their careers.
The 2025 class will bring the number of Fellows who are part of the program to more than 500. After completing the initial training seminar, Fellows continue to meet at alumni gatherings designed to increase their knowledge and help build their professional networks. The next time they will have this opportunity to gather is at the Edgar Fellows’ annual fundraiser in Chicago on September 9 at the Hyatt Regency. This event is open to the general public. More information about the dinner, including how to sponsor the event or purchase individual tickets can be found at www.edgarfellows.org.
In addition to the Illinois State Medical Society, donors to the Edgar Fellows Program include individuals, corporations, foundations, labor organizations, and others who are interested in promoting competent, ethical and solution-oriented leadership in Illinois. The independent Edgar Fellows 501(c)(3) non-profit board is led by Chair Tom Livingston, Vice President Governmental Affairs of CSX Transportation and a former senior member of the Edgar Administration. A separate advisory board is led by Chair Allen Grosboll, former senior policy advisor to Governor Edgar. Other board and advisory board members are Fellows and long-time supporters of the program who, between them, have decades of experience in Illinois public policy.
Administered and funded through the efforts of the Edgar Fellows 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Edgar Fellows Program was started by Gov. Jim Edgar while a distinguished fellow at the U of I System’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs in Urbana.
The Edgar Fellows Class of 2025 is listed below. Photos are available upon request.
