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James R. Thompson

As Illinois’ longest-serving chief executive (14 years), Governor Thompson was noted for his skill in settling difficult labor-management problems, his ability to manage one of the nation’s largest public budgets while maintaining one of the nation’s highest state bond ratings, and his leadership role among his peers. He served as Chairman of the National Governors’ Association, the Midwestern Governors’ Conference, the Council of Great Lakes Governors, and the Republican Governors’ Association. During his tenure in office, he traveled abroad extensively on behalf of Illinois business interests, meeting with foreign heads of state and leading government officials; he also led numerous trade missions to Europe, South America, Asia, and the Middle East on behalf of state business enterprise.

Governor Thompson was Co-Chairman of the Attorney General’s Task Force on Violent Crime in 1981; National Co-Chairman of the Campaign to Protect Our Children in 1986; a member of the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality in 1986; Chairman of the NGA Task Force on Electric Utility Transmission Policy in 1986; Chairman of the NGA Task Force on Teen Pregnancy in 1987; Chairman of the NGA Task Force on Transportation Infrastructure in 1988; and Chairman of the NGA Task Force on Global Climate Change in 1989. He also chaired the President’s Intelligence Oversight Board from 1989-1993.

In addition to his service as a member of the board of directors of FMC Corp. and FMC Technologies, Inc., Governor Thompson, a former U.S. Attorney in Chicago, serves on the boards of the Chicago Board of Trade; Hollinger International, Inc. (publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times); Jefferson Smurfit Group; Prime Retail, Inc.; Prime Group Realty Trust; Navigant Consulting Group, Inc.; Maximum, Inc.; Public Review Board of the Hotel Employee & Restaurant Employee International Union; and the Japan Society (New York). He also serves on the Advisory Board of Chicago Climate Control and is a member of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Governor Thompson received a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law in 1959.

Among his many achievements, The National Law Journal recently named Governor Thompson one of “the most influential lawyers in America.”

Appointed by the President of the United States on the recommendation of the Governor of Illinois.

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