Thomas R. Chiola | |
|---|---|
| Judge of theCircuit Court of Cook County from the 8th Subcircuit | |
| In office 1994–2009 | |
| Succeeded by | Celia G. Gamrath |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1952-03-18)March 18, 1952 (age 73) |
| Alma mater | Illinois State University (BS) University of Illinois (JD) |
Thomas R. Chiola (born March 18, 1952) served as a judge of theIllinois Circuit Court of Cook County from 1994 to 2009. He was the first openly gay person elected to public office in Illinois.[1]
Chiola grew up inSpringfield, Illinois.[2] He graduated from Springfield'sGriffin High School (now Sacred Heart-Griffin High School) in 1970. Chiola then received aBachelor of Science fromIllinois State University in 1974 and aJuris Doctor from theUniversity of Illinois College of Law in 1977.[3] He served as an administrative law judge.[4] He also served as general counsel of theIllinois Department of Professional Regulation.[5]
In 1994, Chiola was elected to theIllinois 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]
In 1997, Chiola was inducted into theChicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.[8]