Tom Hughes
Tom Hughes has spent his career making Illinois a healthier, more equitable place to live. As Executive Director of the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), Tom leads one of the largest affiliates of the American Public Health Association in the country. Under his leadership, IPHA brings together community leaders, health professionals, and advocates to ensure every community in Illinois can thrive.
He stepped into this role in 2013 after decades of service in state government and public health leadership. For more than 30 years, Tom has held roles that shaped state policy, strengthened emergency response systems, and expanded access to care across Illinois.
At the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), he served as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Protection, where he oversaw the operations of three Illinois State laboratories, the Division of Food, Drugs and Dairy, Environmental Health, and Infectious Disease sections. He led a team of 400 staff and managed a budget exceeding $180 million. During his tenure, he expanded HIV testing among high-risk individuals, including gay men and minorities, and helped pass landmark legislation requiring newborn HIV screening to prevent mother-to-child transmission. He also strengthened the state's emergency preparedness in response to public health threats such as West Nile Virus and the post-2001 environment.
At IPHA, Tom champions a vision of health equity and well-being for all Illinois communities. The organization focuses on strengthening the workforce, shaping policy, and building trust through collaboration, coordination, communication, and connection.
Tom believes in the power of partnerships. In 2026, he will serve as President of the Board of the Illinois Network of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA), a statewide leader in expanding access to high-quality child care and early education.
Earlier in his career, he served as Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor, Legislative Director in the State Treasurer’s Office, and Deputy Comptroller. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Eastern Illinois University.