John Tillman served as CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute from 2007 to 2020, leading its transformation from a two-person startup into one of the nation’s most influential state-based think tanks. Under his leadership, the organization built a nationally recognized policy, media and advocacy operation that reached millions of Illinoisans annually, shaped public debate and advanced free-market ideas into law.

During his tenure, the institute achieved a series of landmark victories that reshaped Illinois policy and had national impact. Most notably, the institute’s litigation arm, the Liberty Justice Center, secured a victory before the U.S. Supreme Court in Janus v. AFSCME. The ruling freed more than 5 million government workers from compulsory union dues and fundamentally changed public-sector labor law in America.

At the state level, the organization played a central role in defeating Illinois’ progressive income tax amendment in 2020. The effort mobilized new voters, shaped the public narrative and helped deliver a decisive rejection of the measure at the ballot box. The institute also contributed to the passage of multiple bipartisan, pro-taxpayer reforms, including measures to increase government transparency, rein in spending abuses and reduce burdensome regulations on small businesses.

Beyond legislative wins, Tillman led the expansion of a grassroots and communications infrastructure that amplified the institute’s influence. The organization built one of the largest taxpayer communities in Illinois, mobilized thousands of activists through its Lincoln Lobby network and drove record levels of civic engagement. Its media platform reached millions annually, helping shift public opinion on issues such as government corruption, pension reform and tax policy while elevating those issues into the mainstream policy conversation.

Under Tillman’s leadership, the institute also helped expose and challenge entrenched political power structures in Illinois, contributing to major political shifts, including the fall of longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan, and creating new opportunities for bipartisan reform.

Collectively, these efforts transformed the Illinois Policy Institute from a traditional think tank into a results-driven organization capable of turning ideas into measurable policy outcomes and established it as a model for state-based policy organizations nationwide.

He continued serving as chairman of the board for 19 years before stepping down in 2026.

He currently is CEO of the American Culture Project and the founder and CEO of the Hall of Giants, a major cultural initiative dedicated to celebrating entrepreneurs and all that they do to improve the human condition. To learn more, visit Hallofgiants.org.