Mount Vernon mayor elected IML First Vice President
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John Lewis
MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon Mayor John Lewis was unanimously elected Sept. 20 to serve a one-year term as First Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League (IML).
After a year, Lewis will automatically become president of the IML, which is a statewide association that represents municipalities throughout Illinois. Lewis has served on the IML Board of Directors as a Vice President since 2019, states an IML news release.
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that leadership is about service, accountability and results — values that drive our work at the Illinois Municipal League,” Lewis said. “It’s an honor to serve as the organization’s First Vice President, and I look forward to helping all municipalities tackle real challenges with practical solutions.”
IML Chief Executive Officer Brad Cole also remarked Monday on Lewis’ election as First Vice President.
“We’re excited for him,” Cole said. “His father, Rolland Lewis, also then Mayor of Mount Vernon, served as IML President in 1990 and 1991, which makes this a unique situation and special, I think, for the current Mayor Lewis.”
Mayor John Lewis was named First Vice President at the IML’s Annual Business Meeting on Saturday, Sept. 20. The meeting was part of the 112th IML Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, the news release states.
Also elected during the IML Annual Business Meeting were Matteson Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin as IML President and Peoria Mayor Rita Ali as IML Second Vice President.
According to the release, Lewis has served as Mount Vernon’s Mayor since 2017. He is a retired Illinois State Police Master Sergeant with a 25-year career in criminal investigation and law enforcement training. A lifelong entrepreneur, Lewis has founded multiple businesses and has been active in community service for more than 50 years, the release states.
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 release states. The League is managed under the general direction of Chief Executive Officer Cole, who is the former Mayor of the City of Carbondale.
