Thomas R. Chiola
Illinois circuit judge (born 1952)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomas R. Chiola (born March 18, 1952) served as a judge of the Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County from 1994 to 2009. He was the first openly gay person elected to public office in Illinois.[1]
University of Illinois (JD)
Thomas R. Chiola | |
|---|---|
| Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County from the 8th Subcircuit | |
| In office 1994–2009 | |
| Succeeded by | Celia G. Gamrath |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 18, 1952 |
| Education | Illinois State University (BS) University of Illinois (JD) |
Early life and education
Chiola grew up in Springfield, Illinois.[2] He graduated from Springfield's Griffin High School (now Sacred Heart-Griffin High School) in 1970. Chiola then received a Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University in 1974 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1977.[3] He served as an administrative law judge.[4] He also served as general counsel of the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.[5]
Judicial service
In 1994, Chiola was elected to the Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County.[6][7] Chiola was the first openly gay candidate elected to any federal, state, county or municipal office in Illinois.[6][7]
Honors
In 1997, Chiola was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.[8]