BRAD COLE APPOINTED IML EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Springfield, IL — The Board of Directors of the Illinois Municipal League (IML) has appointed Brad Cole to serve as the new Executive Director of the 1,121-member statewide organization. Cole was unanimously selected following a nation-wide search. “Brad Cole was selected from an impressive list of candidates to assume the role of Executive Director of the Illinois Municipal League,” said IML President, Mayor Jerry Daugherty of Mascoutah. “Brad brings to us a diverse set of skills that will enhance the league’s capability of facing the challenges of the future. His past experiences as Mayor of Carbondale and several years of serving on the IML Board of Directors provide him with a unique insight into the IML’s role to educate, advocate, and empower. I, as well as the Board of Directors, look forward to working with Brad and the IML staff in moving our organization to a new level of excellence.” Mr. Cole is the former Mayor of Carbondale (2003-2011), and previously served on the League’s Board of Directors (2005-2011), as well as the National League of Cities Board of Directors (2008-2010). He served as downstate director for U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (2011-2012), and was deputy chief of staff under former Governor George Ryan. In early 2014, Governor Pat Quinn appointed Cole to serve on the state’s Human Rights Commission, which acts on civil rights violations. “Fortunately, my prior service as the mayor of Carbondale and on the IML Board of Directors provides me with a certain degree of familiarity with the IML,” Cole said in an introductory message to IML colleagues. Cole, a native of Macon, leaves a position as senior vice president of Pepsi MidAmerica. ### ABOUT THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE The Illinois Municipal League was founded in 1913 and has worked continuously for the benefit of municipalities. The Illinois Municipal League is a not-for-profit, non-political association of 1,121 municipalities in the State of Illinois. The League's mission is to articulate, defend, maintain, and promote the interests and concerns of Illinois communities. The governing board is comprised of Mayors and Village Presidents. The League: Provides a formal voice for Illinois municipalities in matters involving common interests. Promotes competence and integrity in administration of municipal government. Provides municipal officials with knowledge and experience to best administer their duties. Provides direct informational mailings such as the Illinois Municipal Review monthly magazine; Legislative Bulletin published during the General Assembly session; Legal Bulletin published bi-monthly and sent to all municipal attorneys. Provides publications: the Illinois Municipal Handbook, Illinois Municipal Directory, Zoning Handbook, etc. Educates members via conferences, road shows, and other educational meetings. Provides other member services, including the IML Risk Management Association, and staff resources. Member municipalities’ population: 10,716,575. IML members are 96.3% of total municipal population in Illinois. IML’s largest member: Chicago, population: 2,695,598 IML’s smallest member: Wenonah (Montgomery County) population: 37 .