John Kamis – Senior Advisor to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

John Kamis serves as Senior Advisor to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and is responsible for supervising the Governor’s job growth agenda in Springfield as well as negotiating legislation.

He also oversees Budgeting for Results, the Governor’s comprehensive budget and performance management reform plan. Furthermore, he serves on the Economic Recovery Commission of the Governor.

Early Life and Education

Early life experiences are critical for biological, emotional, and mental development. Unfortunately, this period can also be plastic in terms of stressors which could negatively impact individuals’ well-being in later years (George 2013; Elder 1998). However, research in both life course and stress process frameworks has demonstrated that there is no causal connection between childhood stressors and future health; rather, negative experiences in early life are temporary and often fade away with time (George 2013; Pearlin 2010).

John earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law and BA from Bradley University. He has served in a variety of governmental roles, with his most recent position being Senior Advisor for Economic Development and Legislative Affairs within Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s Administration.

Professional Career

As a high school student, John helped organize volunteers for a state representative’s campaign. That experience cemented the foundation of his long career in government service as Senior Advisor to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. In this role, Kamis oversees and coordinates legislative liaisons for the Governor’s economic development agencies as well as managing his state’s budget reform and performance management initiatives.

Kamis is an avid philanthropist who donates both his time and resources to numerous charitable organizations. His favorite causes include aiding homeless veterans and providing financial assistance for those struggling to make ends meet.

Achievements and Honors

John has an impressive government and policy background, having made a lasting contribution to Illinois. In his role as Senior Advisor for Economic Development and Legislative Affairs within the Governor’s Administration, John oversaw Budgeting for Results–the state’s comprehensive budget and performance management reform plan.

He is widely recognized for his leadership of the Governor’s Economic Recovery Commission, a group dedicated to stimulating economic growth. Additionally, he has earned multiple honors and awards including Crain’s Chicago Business’s 40 Under 40 list for professionals under forty years old; additionally, he was selected as an Edgar Fellow – a leadership development program created by former Governor Jim Edgar to foster bi-partisanship – as well as managing and coordinating legislative initiatives across State economic development agencies.

Personal Life

John Kamis is a registered lobbyist with extensive governmental and policy experience. He served as Senior Advisor for Economic Development and Legislative Affairs in Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s Administration, overseeing Budgeting for Results – his comprehensive budget reform and performance management initiative.

He has worked on numerous state and local legislative campaigns, such as Al Gore’s presidential run, Judge Thomas Lipscomb’s judicial race and Richard Daley’s mayoral bid. Additionally, he served as campaign manager for Pat Quinn’s gubernatorial primary campaign.

John is a true pragmatist who always searches for solutions to problems he encounters. His determination and capacity for developing and executing policy strategies make him an ideal candidate for any job, particularly those in government. John advocates strongly for bi-partisanship and has an in-depth knowledge of how government and business interact.

Net Worth

John Kamis is a prominent Illinois registered lobbyist who was recently recognized on Crain’s Chicago Business list of 40 Under 40. Additionally, he was selected for an Edgar Fellow – an initiative founded by former Governor Jim Edgar to develop leadership potential – and currently serves as Senior Advisor to Governor Pat Quinn. His interest in politics began while still in high school when he worked on his best friend’s mother’s campaign for state representative; later it led him to work on Al Gore’s presidential campaign, Judge Thomas Lipscomb’s judicial race and Richard Daley’s mayoral race; finally serving as campaign manager during Pat Quinn’s gubernatorial primary campaign.