To help you get to know who’s who in Illinois tourism, ITN profiles an industry leader each month. This month, we introduce Illinois State Representative Kenneth Dunkin (D-Chicago).

A longtime advocate for Illinois residents, Rep. Kenneth Dunkin was appointed to the Illinois House in 2003. Before becoming Illinois’ 5th district state representative, Dunkin was the director of the Robert Taylor Boys and Girls Club. Dunkin was also a community liaison for his mentor, Secretary of State Jesse White, and served as a consultant for the City of Chicago Department of Health and Department on Aging. In addition, he interned with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Care Financing Administration and with United States Senator Paul Simon in Washington, D.C.

In 2004 Dunkin was selected by the international exchange organization American Council of Young Political Leaders as a delegate to South Africa for a ten-day political study program. Dunkin joined five other young leaders from across the U.S. to study South Africa’s political system, engage in dialogue on bilateral issues and forge professional relationships.

Dunkin is currently chairman of the House Tourism and Conventions Committee, vice chairman of the Child Support Enforcement Committee, and sits on the Appropriations-Public Safety, Financial Institutions, Insurance, Mass Transit and Telecommunications committees.
 
As chairman of the House Committee on Tourism and Conventions, Dunkin is actively involved in promoting tourism in Illinois. “Increased tourism brings jobs and economic development to our communities, making it an investment in our quality of life," says Dunkin. This year he extended the successful Film Production Services Tax Credit, a move that was instrumental in reviving Illinois’ film industry. The credit gives tax breaks to production companies that film in Illinois and hire local workers, with special incentives if minorities are hired or filming is done in blighted areas.

Additionally, as the representative for downtown Chicago and its world-class hotels, restaurants and theater district, Dunkin addresses the needs and concerns of the individuals and businesses in his district. His efforts are also aimed at combating crime and domestic violence, improving education, standing up for senior citizens, expanding health care and caring for our veterans.

Dunkin currently serves on the Governor’s Visual Media Task Force and the Associate Board of the Chicago International Film Festival. He’s a board member for the Chicago Urban League-Metro Board, the Grand Boulevard Federation, and the Near North Health Services Corporation. He’s also a member of the Cabrini Green Legal Aid Advisory Board, the Attorney Registration Disciplinary Commission, the Lawson YMCA, the City Club of Chicago, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and the United States Post Office’s 22nd Advisory Council.

Rep. Dunkin is a product of Chicago Public Schools. A graduate of Jenner Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School, he continued his education at Harold Washington College, where he received an associate degree. Dunkin then attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science, before returning to Chicago to complete a master’s in social service administration from the University of Chicago.

Dunkin and his wife, Yolanda, are the proud parents of a son and two daughters.