The Politics of People

My guest for a this very special interview is Don Gerard, Mayor of Champaign.

Don’s family moved to Champaign in 1968 and growing up he attended Champaign’s public schools, worked for the Champaign Park District, and played baseball in the Kiwanis Little League. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout in BSA Troop 7. He was an editor on the school paper, competed on speech team, was trainer for the varsity basketball squad and had a principal role in the school play.

Don majored in Speech Communications at the University of Illinois and has taken courses at Parkland College. He has worked in a number of occupations from Day Camp Leader at the Champaign Park District to omelet chef, night club manager, resale shop owner, construction worker, shipping and receiving clerk, and freelance writer. Don spent nearly two decades performing in local rock bands including a stint as a bassist in a band on Roadrunner Records, which released three albums internationally.

Don is currently the Facilities Manager for the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and the School of Integrated Biology at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Don is the father of two children – Will and Chloe – both who are freshman at Champaign Central High School.

Don had never run for public office before his election as Mayor this past April; Don took office as Mayor of Champaign on May 5, 2011. In his first eight months as Mayor of his City, Don has demonstrated an active commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of its citizens.

o watch the entire interview with Don Gerard CLICK HERE