Judy Baar Topinka

Judy Baar Topinka is the Treasurer of the State of Illinois the first woman in Illinois history to hold this post. When first elected in 1994, she became the first Republican to be elected State Treasurer in 32 years. Topinka made history again in November 1998, as she won a second term as State Treasurer becoming the first woman to be re-elected to a statewide office.

Besides her duties as Illinois State Treasurer, Judy Baar Topinka serves as the Treasurer of the National Association of State Treasurers and the former President of the Midwest Region of the National Association of State Treasurers.

Born in Riverside, Illinois on January 16, 1944, Topinka later graduated from the Ferry Hall School in Lake Forest in 1962, and went on to graduate from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a B.S. degree in 1966. Upon graduation, Topinka established herself as an accomplished journalist in the Cook County suburbs, including eleven years as a reporter and editor for several award-winning community newspapers.

At the same time, Topinka founded a public relations firm, served as a public affairs executive with the American Medical Association and as a public relations advisor to area political candidates and organizations.

After a successful career in journalism, Topinka began her political career when she became a State Representative from the Western Suburbs in 1980. Serving two terms in the Illinois House of Representatives positioned Topinka for a successful bid for State Senate in 1984 where she served as State Senator for a decade. Topinka continues to serve locally as the Riverside Township Republican Committeeman.

On the national scene, Topinka serves as the Chairman of the Republican State Treasurers Caucus, as well as the Chairman of Ethnics for Bush 2000 in Illinois

Topinka's achievements as a journalist and public servant have earned her awards from more than 250 civic, business, professional and social service organizations, including being chosen as Legislator of the Year, Abraham Lincoln Legislator of the Year Award, the "Molly Pitcher" Award, the "Silver Eagle" Award, and the Department of the Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Israel Bonds Man of the Year.

Topinka belongs to more than 60 business and professional organizations, including the City Club of Chicago, the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, the West Suburban Chapter of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority where she was named one of three "Outstanding Citizens" by her National Sorority in 1994.

Topinka continues to reside in Riverside , Illinois . Her son, Joseph, is a graduate of Northern Illinois University Law School and is a Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps serving a tour of duty in Ft. Lewis , Washington.