Randy Hannig joined the Equality Illinois team in 2011 as the Director of Public Policy. In that role, Randy develops advocacy and policy approaches to advance our organization’s vision of full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Illinois. He works with legislators, agency directors, and staff to ensure that legislation and regulations at all levels of government impact the LGBT community in a positive manner. Randy also conducts policy training for community organizations and other interested parties.
Randy brings his significant understanding of local, state, and federal government to the table as a senior member of Equality Illinois’ leadership team. Before joining us, Randy worked for nearly seven years on the Issues Development Staff of Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan. He assisted members of the House Democratic Caucus with drafting, analyzing, and ultimately passing bills through the legislative process. He also worked to generate positive media coverage for members through press releases and constituent newsletters to ensure the public was made aware of the news of the day in state government. Before his tenure on the House Democratic Staff, Randy worked as a project assistant for two years at the Chicago office of Jenner & Block LLP.
Because of his intense personal passion for politics, Randy has volunteered for or worked full-time on a number of political campaigns. He has played an integral role in winning races for local, state, and federal office, and he continues to utilize the skills he learned on the campaign trail to mobilize support for full LGBT equality.
Randy grew up in Central Illinois before moving to the Chicago area to attend Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science.