Cosmo Weekly Luncheon-Speaker David Gill

David Gill has served his community throughout his life. That sense of service contributed to his decision to go to law school, serve his community as an Assistant State’s Attorney, practicing law as a private attorney advocating for his clients, and now run for Winnebago County State’s Attorney. David has also joined the cause against sexual exploitation as a founder of the Rockford Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation along with other volunteer public safety programs.

David Gill is a lifelong resident of Winnebago County whose family has deep roots in Northern Illinois. His family on his father’s side has been here in Northern Illinois since the 1880s and his mother’s family came here in the 1840s following the Blackhawk Wars. His mother’s grandfather, David Hunter Sr., served in the Illinois State Senate and her uncle, David Hunter Jr, served as a State Representative serving a combined 51 years in the Illinois Legislature.

David was educated locally. He graduated from Boylan Catholic High School, Rock Valley College, Northern Illinois University, and Northern Illinois College of Law. David comes from a long line of attorneys who have been involved in the criminal justice system as well. Both his father, Timothy R. Gill, and his grandfather, Robert C. Gill served as a Judges. David decided to follow in the tradition by working his way through law school and taking a position with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s office where he served for nearly 8 years.

David’s career fighting crime came at an early stage of his life following his graduation from Boylan Catholic High School. While working his way through College David became an expert in the area of Retail Theft Security. In addition to serving as Chief of Security for a number of local retail stores, including K-Mart and Union Hall, he also consulted with other retailers in this specialty. He supervised and trained employees at 52 stores. During his career in this field, he was able to thwart or prosecute some 1000 individuals caught stealing. Working closely with law enforcement, during many of these encounters, further inspired David to pursue a career in public service.

At the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s office, David began his career as a Misdemeanor Trial attorney working his way up to Misdemeanor Trial Team Supervisor. As Supervisor he was responsible for the management of a team of six people training and advising them on trial techniques and strategies. In this capacity, David has served as a mentor to young lawyers in the States Attorney’s office.

After a few short years, David was promoted to the Felony Trial Team where he prosecuted cases involving the aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated domestic battery, arson, theft, and gang-related crimes. David prosecuted these Felony cases while continuing to serve as the supervisor of the Misdemeanor Trial Team.

Following his service, at the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s office, David went into private practice as a civil litigant and defense attorney. He has tried cases on the defense side where he gained experience from the other side of the courtroom. This insight has convinced David that the criminal justice system is broken in Winnebago County and thus contributes to his decision to run for State’s Attorney.

In addition to his professional career, David has served his community in many ways. With the support of his wife, David serves with fellow citizens, concerned about the effects of crime, on several neighborhood organizations. He served as the steering committee chairman of both the Ellis Heights and Kishwaukee Corridor Weed and Seed sites where he was appointed by the US Attorney’s office. He has served as Co-Chair of the Rockford Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation whose mission end the demand for prostitution and human trafficking in Winnebago County. He is also Chairman of the Rock Valley Federal Credit Union Board of Directors.

David currently serves as President of the board of directors for NAMI Northern Illinois, supporting those affected by mental illness. He also serves on the Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry board as vice-chair which prepares locally incarcerated men and women for productive, crime-free lives after incarceration.

David and his wife Ellen reside in Rockford.