Robert Gilligan
Executive Director
gilligan@ilcatholic.org
Bob was named Executive Director in 2003, after serving as Associate Director for six years. He also is a past president of the National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors. 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.
Marilou Gervacio
Director of Social Services/Social Justice
gervacio@ilcatholic.org
Marilou is primarily responsible for public policy areas affecting Catholic Charities (social services and senior issues) as well as issues involving social justice, prison and jail ministry (including criminal and juvenile justice), and immigration. Prior to joining CCI, Marilou worked in policy and program development for the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and as a research attorney for the Uniform Law Commission. She graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from Northwestern University and received her J.D. with a Certificate in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Marilou is a member of the Illinois Bar and belongs to the Chicago Bar Association, the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago, and the Catholic Bar Association.
Jeanette Malafa
Director of Government Relations
malafa@ilcatholic.org
Having spent over 30 years in the Illinois State House, Jeanette Malafa started with the Catholic Conference of Illinois as Government Relations Director in April of 2023. Previous to that, Ms. Malafa was the Director of Government Relations for Western Illinois University, overseeing both State and Federal Relations. Before taking a position in higher education, Jeanette was on Illinois State Senate staff for 22 years. In addition to Illinois staff work, Ms. Malafa represented Illinois on the Legislative Education Staff Network and had the privilege of serving as Staff Co-Chair to the National Conference of State Legislature’s Education Committee for a term. Jeanette also has extensive experience in fundraising and campaign management. Jeanette is the wife to Sean Simpson, and mom to Cecilia, Jane, and Sarah. She serves on the Pastoral Council at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, IL, and volunteers her time on the Sangamon County 4H Foundation Board.
Kelsey Chisam
Office:
In Springfield:
108 E. Cook St.
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: (217) 528-9200
Fax: (217) 528-7214