Lisa Gardner
Executive Director,  Illinois Liquor Control Commission

Lisa Gardner currently serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC), where she has been leading the ILCC for three years. A Chicago Native, Lisa graduated from Southern Illinois Carbondale for undergrad and earned her law degree from Loyola University Chicago. A former litigator, Lisa Gardner’s legal career has spanned almost 15 years, first as an associate and then as the Partner and Managing Attorney.

Prior to receiving her gubernational appointment as the Executive Director of the ILCC, Lisa was introduced to liquor law when she served as a Hearing Officer/Administrative Law Judge for the City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection division.

Lisa has taught both on the law school and undergraduate level. Both as an Adjunct Professor of Paralegal Studies at MacCormac College, as well as a Supervising Attorney for the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Lisa also serves as the Central Region Chair of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators.

A lifelong learner, she recently earned a Certificate in Conscious Leadership from the University of Chicago.