Dupage Policy Journal

Sen. John Curran is fondly remembering Illinois Chamber of Commerce President/CEP Todd Masich as a champion for working people.

"The business community lost a champion for working people throughout our state with the passing of Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch," Curran posted on Facebook on June 5. "Todd dedicated his career to building a stronger business climate and a stronger Illinois, and he and his work will be greatly missed. I will be thinking of his memory and praying for his family and numerous friends during this time of grief."

The 57-year-old Masich, who rose to become president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, died earlier this month of undisclosed causes.

Masich also earned respect and praise from lawmakers across the state based on his ability to work with leaders from both parties in a city that has long been dominated by one party.

At the height of the recent COVID-19 crisis, Maisch fought to keep businesses open, imploring top leaders across the state to do a better job of looking after both the state’s “public health crisis and the economic” issues. Over the years, Masich also earned much praise and respect for his ability to work well with members of both parties, despite Illinois long being a state controlled by Democrats. 

“Throughout his career, he worked to advance proposals to grow the state’s business community, big and small,” Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement. “He was passionate about making Illinois a better place to live, work, and do business and he leaves behind a storied legacy of service.” 

A native of Peoria, Maisch got his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned a master’s in business from Illinois State University. He is survived by his wife, Kim, and sons Max and Whit; his father, Weldon Maisch; and his brother David.