Robert Gilligan
Executive Director
Located in the Chicago office
gilligan@ilcatholic.org
Bob was named Executive Director in 2003, after serving as Associate Director for six years. He also is the current president of the National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors Association. He previously worked as chief of legislative services for the Arizona Department of Economic Security and at the political consulting firm of Jamieson and Guiterrez in Phoenix, AZ. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a master’s degree from Arizona State University. He and his wife, Colleen, are members of St. Juliana's Parish in Chicago.
Zachary Wichmann
Director of Government Relations
Located in the Springfield office
wichmann@ilcatholic.org
Zach serves as the primary liaison between the state and federal governments, in particular their legislative branches. He also is responsible for respect life, defense of marriage and education issues. He previously worked for former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, and served four years in the United States Marine Corps. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University, and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield. He and his wife, Casey, and their three daughters are members of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.
Marilou Gervacio
Director of Social Services/Social Justice
Located in the Chicago office
gervacio@ilcatholic.org
Marilou is responsible for public policy areas affecting Catholic Charities, as well as the issues of peace and social justice, prison and jail ministry, and immigration. She previously worked for former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan and as a research attorney for the National Conference of Commissioners of Uniform State Laws. She graduated from Northwestern University and Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and is a member of the Chicago Bar Association. She is a member of Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.
Mary Massingale
Director of Communications
Located in the Chicago office
massingale@ilcatholic.org
Mary works with the media on public relations efforts and also serves as a liaison with the state’s six diocesan communications directors. She previously worked as a statehouse reporter for Copley Illinois Newspapers, winning national awards, and in communications for the health care and education professions. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield. She and her husband, Jim Hejl, are members of St. Gregory the Great Church in Chicago.
Jan Fitzgerald
Administrative Assistant
Located in the Springfield office
fitzgerald@ilcatholic.org
Jan serves as administrative assistant for both the Chicago and Springfield offices. She has been with the Catholic Conference since 1984, and previously worked as a stay-at-home mom. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University. She and her husband, Patrick, are members of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield.
Rev. Peter Harman
Consultant
Rev. Peter Harman serves the Conference as a consultant on spiritual and theological matters. He is pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. He received his bachelor’s degree from St. Meinrad College and graduated from seminary at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Offices:
In Chicago:
65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 1620
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 368-1066
Fax: (312) 368-1090
In Springfield:
108 E. Cook St.
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: (217) 528-9200
Fax: (217) 528-7214
