Senator Tom Bennett Contact information

Tom Bennett is a dedicated public servant representing the 53rd District of Illinois, which includes Bureau, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will, and Woodford Counties. Prior to his tenure as a State Senator, from 2015 to early 2023, Bennett served as the State Representative for the 106th District.

Born on June 8, 1956, in Gibson City, Illinois, Bennett is a lifelong resident of his hometown. Raised on a family farm, he is the fourth of five children. He has a deep understanding of the agricultural community and the challenges it faces.

Bennett’s career path is diverse and rooted in service and education. He worked as a high school and junior high science teacher for seven years, imparting knowledge and shaping young minds. After his stint in education, he transitioned to the corporate world, working as an IT professional at State Farm Insurance for 30 years. His roles included manager, computer software developer, and trainer.

While working and raising a family, Bennett remained committed to his community. He served as a K-12 school board member and was a member of the local pre-school board, even serving as chairman for two years. He was also a member of the Parkland College Board of Trustees, where he served for three years as chairman.

As a legislator, Bennett has been part of task forces and commissions focused on early childhood, teacher assessments, environment, and energy. He has been active in state and national trustee organizations, serving as a Past Chair of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) in Springfield and Past Chair of the Board of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) in Washington, D.C.

Bennett holds a BS in Education from Eastern Illinois University, a BS in Computer Science, an MBA from Illinois State University, and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Tom and his wife, Kathy, reside in Gibson City. They have two grown children and five grandchildren. Despite his busy schedule, Bennett always finds time for his family, demonstrating his commitment to family values.

In summary, Tom Bennett is a dedicated public servant, an experienced educator, and a seasoned IT professional. His diverse experiences and deep commitment to his community make him a valuable asset to the Illinois State Senate.