Prairie State Wire

CEO and President of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Todd Maisch passed away on Thursday, June 1, at the age of 57. 

WMAY reports that Maisch is survived by his wife and two children. He had previously taken a leave of absence from his position due to health reasons. 

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce issued a statement saying, "The members and staff of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our President and CEO, Todd Maisch. Todd was a beloved husband, father, and leader in the Illinois business community. We are deeply saddened by his loss. Out of respect to Todd’s family, we will wait to issue more information at a later date."

According to his bio on the Chamber's website, Maisch joined the Chamber in 1994 and was appointed president and CEO of the organization in 2014. A native of Peoria, he earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from Illinois State University. He lived in Springfield with his family. As Chamber CEO, Maisch had been a strong and well-known advocate for pro-business legislation with the state legislature.

“His influence has created a network of pro-business advocates both on a state and national level. Sound tax and fiscal policy, reducing the regulatory burden on employers, pro-active economic development, promoting innovation and greater investment in our critical infrastructure are all key priorities for Maisch and the Chamber. In addition, he has led the Chamber to become the voice of business at the ballot box, supporting pro-business candidates that share the same priorities,” his biography said.

“I am so heartbroken to hear the news about Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch passing away at 57,” Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza said in a statement. “His departure leaves such a void in Illinois. He worked so hard to find bipartisan approaches to grow Illinois businesses. He understood we are all in this together. I treasure the time I spent with him, listening to him, speaking to his board. Democrats and Republicans around the state should all take a moment to honor Todd Maisch today for his advocacy for Illinois businesses. Our condolences go out to his wife and sons. May he rest in God’s peace and eternal glory.”

“Todd was a fierce champion for the business community and an integral part of major policy wins for our economy, namely the Blue Collar Jobs Act and the historic Rebuild Illinois capital bill,” Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch said in a statement, according to Chicago Sun Times. “Though Todd and I often found ourselves at opposite ends of policy debates, I knew he was driven by an adoration for our state and a sincere commitment to doing what he believed was right."