VETERAN CAMPAIGN FINANCE EXPERT RON MICHAELSON JOINS BOARD OF ILLINOIS CAMPAIGN FOR POLITICAL REFORM

CHICAGO – Ronald D. Michaelson, long-time head of the Illinois State Board of Elections and recognized nationally as an expert on election administration and campaign finance, has joined the Board of Directors of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR).

Michaelson, a Springfield resident, was Executive Director of the Illinois State Board of Elections for nearly 28 years prior to his retirement in 2003. A visiting professor of political studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield, Michaelson is a consultant on election administration and remains active in policy discussions at the state and national levels.

“Ron Michaelson’s expertise in Illinois election law is unsurpassed and his commitment to bringing greater accountability to the system is unquestioned,” said Cynthia Canary, Director of ICPR. “Under Ron’s leadership, the financial disclosure program in Illinois became a model for other states, and his effort to make contribution and expenditure reports available on the internet has helped shine a bright light on campaign finances. We’re delighted he has agreed to help advise and guide ICPR.”

ICPR is a non-partisan public interest group that conducts research and advocates reforms to promote public participation in government, to address the role of money in politics and to encourage integrity, accountability and transparency in government. Founded in 1999 by the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, ICPR is governed by a diverse board of directors composed of civic, business, and academic leaders from across the state.

Michaelson is a past national chairman of the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws and previously served on the Advisory Committee of the Federal Election Commission. He holds a doctorate in Government from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Earlier this year, Michaelson was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Campaign Finance Institute, a non-partisan, non-profit affiliated with The George Washington University that conducts research and education and makes campaign finance policy recommendations.

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