IML membership unanimously elected Mayor John C. Lewis, City of Mount Vernon, to serve a one-year term as President of the statewide association. Lewis has served on the IML Board of Directors as a Vice President since 2019. He is the first IML President whose father also served as president of the organization.
IML membership unanimously elected Mayor Rita Ali, City of Peoria, to serve a one-year term as First Vice President of the statewide association. Ali has served on the IML Board of Directors since 2021. In 2024, she was elected to serve as Second Vice President.
IML membership unanimously elected Mayor Mark Kownick, Village of Cary, to serve a one-year term as Second Vice President of the statewide association. Kownick has served on the IML Board of Directors since 2024.
ABOUT JOHN C. LEWIS
John C. Lewis was elected Mayor of Mount Vernon in 2017. During his 25-year career with the Illinois State Police, Lewis served in various roles including patrol, drug enforcement, and criminal investigations. He retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. A lifelong entrepreneur, Lewis has founded multiple businesses and has been active in community service for more than 50 years.
“Strong communities depend on strong local leadership, and I have seen firsthand what can be accomplished when municipal officials work together,” said Lewis. “As President of the Illinois Municipal League, I look forward to bringing that same approach statewide, strengthening the voice of Illinois municipalities and ensuring local leaders have a strong partner in IML.”
ABOUT RITA ALI
Rita Ali was elected Mayor of Peoria in 2021, following two years as an at-large city council member. She also served as Vice President of Workforce and Diversity at Illinois Central College and held leadership roles with Advanced Information Services, Inc., Bradley University and the Central Illinois Private Industry Council. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Springfield, master’s degrees from Bradley University and Walden University and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management from Capella University.
“Throughout the past year, I have had the opportunity to work alongside municipal leaders who are deeply committed to the communities they serve,” said Ali. “As First Vice President, I look forward to building on that work by continuing to advocate for the needs of our residents and strengthen our communities.”
ABOUT MARK KOWNICK
Mark Kownick was elected Mayor of Cary in 2013. During his tenure, the village has completed several significant community projects, including construction of a new municipal center, the conversion of a former quarry into a village-owned park and multiple downtown streetscape improvements, which includes the newly constructed Gliniecki Community Plaza. Kownick is a former chairman of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Executive Board and currently serves as a member of the Executive Board.
“I am honored to serve as Second Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League,” said Kownick. “Local officials across Illinois work every day to strengthen their communities and improve the quality of life for their residents. I look forward to working alongside municipal leaders, sharing our experiences and continuing to strengthen the collective voice of Illinois municipalities.
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
The Illinois Municipal League is the statewide association representing municipalities throughout Illinois. Founded in 1913, IML has worked continuously for the benefit of all 1,294 cities, villages and towns in Illinois to provide a formal voice on matters involving common interests. The League is managed under the general direction of Chief Executive Officer Brad Cole, former Mayor of the City of Carbondale.
