John Tillman is one of the nation's most prominent leaders of a state-based think tank. As CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute, he has transformed what many wrote off as a blue state into a place ripe for free market reform. John also is the founder of the Great Communications Foundation, a national organization dedicated to helping advocates for liberty make the moral case in public policy debates.

John's success has become a model for liberty-based organizations across the country. John is frequently asked to consult with other nonprofit, free market organizations on marketing and organizational strategy.

In 2011, John won the prestigious Roe Award for his leadership, innovation and accomplishments in the world of public policy. This annual award pays tribute to those in the state public policy movement whose achievements have greatly advanced the free market philosophy.

John is regularly featured in the media, and has appeared on FOX News Channel, FOX Business, the BBC and NPR, as well as in The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Times and other news outlets.

John is former president of Americans for Limited Government, a national organization that advocates for property rights, spending limits, term limits and other liberty-based policies in more than 26 states. John also was co-founder of the Sam Adams Alliance, a national nonprofit that encourages grassroots citizen activism.