James Mann

Mr. Mann has more than thirty years of experience dealing with public policy and community development in both the public and the private sectors. He retired in 2010 as the founding executive director of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Mann served for five years as Midwest director and associate general counsel for state policy for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, assisting state and local preservation organizations in their dealings with legislative, executive and administrative levels of government. Before that, Mr. Mann had a fifteen-year career as a practicing attorney, representing governments, public interest organizations and private interests in the development and implementation of public policies at the state and local level in both the legislative and administrative arenas on community investment, intergovernmental cooperation and public financings. He also has held positions in government, a university and a community-based organization.

Throughout his professional life, Jim has held leadership positions in major Chicago area civic organizations and become familiar with the grant-making process as both an applicant and a decision maker. Mr. Mann holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and received his law degree from the University of Chicago.