Hometown: Springfield, IL

Undergraduate Institution and Major: Western Illinois University, Political Science

Graduate Institution and Major: Western Illinois University, American Government & Politics

Biography: Mike Thomson was a member of the Illinois House speaker’s staff for 13 years, the last six as a senior adviser to the speaker and director of more than 50 legislative staff responsible for the management of House Democratic Caucus communications, legislative strategy, and implementation of the speaker’s and caucus’ public policy agenda. In addition to his government responsibilities, Mike served as the Political Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois from 2003 – 2009, overseeing all aspects of the party’s paid and earned media programs and campaign field operations across legislative, judicial, and statewide campaigns.

Mike is the founder and managing partner of ThomsonWeir, LLC, which provides government affairs, public relations management, and media consulting services to a wide variety of clients, from the largest Fortune 500 companies to the smallest not-for-profit organizations operating within the state of Illinois.

Relevant Professional Experience: Director of Issues Development, Office of the Illinois Speaker of the House; Political Director, Democratic Party of Illinois; developed and facilitated numerous training sessions for political candidates and staff as well as individuals entering the field of lobbying; specialization in media training for both political and non-political professionals

Research Interests: Organizational Leadership and Management, Crisis Communications, Public Opinion Research and Analysis

Volunteer Activities: Kidzeum of Health and Science, Country Club Cove Homeowners Association, supporter of a variety of local central Illinois charitable and philanthropic organizations, Democratic Party of Illinois and numerous state and local political campaigns