IHA President & CEO
A.J. Wilhelmi Leads the Illinois Health
and Hospital Association
A.J. Wilhelmi became the President and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) on January 1, 2016. With offices in Chicago, Naperville, Springfield, and Washington D.C., IHA represents more than 200 hospitals and health systems as they care for their patients and communities, advocating for a sustainable, patient-focused health care system that provides high-quality care and promotes healthy local communities.
Previously, Wilhelmi served as IHA's Chief Government Relations Officer from 2012 to 2015. As Chief Government Relations Officer, Wilhelmi was responsible for directing IHA's overall state and federal advocacy and policy agendas. During that period, IHA achieved major advocacy accomplishments, including enacting landmark legislation on hospital tax exemption, expanding Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act, obtaining new ACA access payments, and preserving Medicaid funding.
With his experience in both the public and private sectors, Wilhelmi is strengthening IHA's ability to address the many needs of its more than 200 hospital and health system members. Wilhelmi and IHA collaborate with state leaders, legislators, and other key stakeholders to develop workable solutions to support patients, hospitals and the state's health care delivery system.
Wilhelmi attended Loyola University Chicago, where he graduated cum laude in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a major in English and minors in Philosophy and Political Science.
In June 1993, Wilhelmi graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law. After passing the Illinois State Bar Examination, Wilhelmi was sworn in as an attorney on November 3, 1993. From November 1993 to March 2008, Wilhelmi practiced law with the McKeown Law Firm, specializing in real estate and business law. In April 2008, Wilhelmi joined Murer Consultants, Inc. as a senior consultant and was later promoted to Vice President.
In January 2005, Wilhelmi was appointed to the Illinois Senate to represent the communities of the 43rd Senate District, which includes most of Joliet and several surrounding towns. Wilhelmi was re-elected to the state Senate in 2006 and 2010.
Before being appointed to the state Senate, Wilhelmi was heavily involved in community service in Will County. In 1996, Wilhelmi co-sponsored the building of the 13th Will County Habitat for Humanity home and served on the Family Support Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Board for the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce in 2003 after serving in a variety of other posts for the organization. In 2001 and 2002, Wilhelmi chaired the Diplomats Committee for the Will County Center for Economic Development. Wilhelmi has also been active with his alma mater, Joliet Catholic Academy, serving as president of the JCA Alumni Board from 1999 to 2001. Wilhelmi also served for three years (2002, 2003, and 2004) on the Board of the Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence.
During his tenure in the state Senate, Wilhelmi served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee. He also served as a member of the Senate Transportation, Education, Appropriations II, Gaming and Environment Committees.
Wilhelmi was born and raised in Joliet, IL as the youngest of six children. He currently resides in Joliet with his wife, Michelle, and their three daughters.