Cory Jobe Appointment

Springfield – Governor Bruce Rauner announced today that he has appointed Cory Jobe to serve as the director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. Jobe is tasked with leading the state’s tourism promotion efforts both domestically and internationally. A current Springfield City Council member, Jobe had also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Illinois Office of the Comptroller since 2011.

“Cory has faithfully served the people of Illinois in a variety of capacities for more than two decades and I’m confident he will bring his passion and enthusiasm for the Land of Lincoln to his new position as tourism director,” said Governor Rauner. “The tourism industry is a vital part of the Illinois economy, and Cory’s experience in economic development initiatives will serve him well in his new role.”

Jobe, 41, is a native of Robinson, Illinois. In 2011, he was elected as alderman of Springfield’s 6th ward, which includes tourism attractions like the Dana Thomas House and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

Previously, he served as leader of the Peoples Economic Development Corporation from 2006 to 2010 and as Director of Economic Development for the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office from 1997 to 2006.

While at the treasurer’s office, Jobe was instrumental in developing Experience Illinois, a first-of- its-kind low-interest loan program which funded more than $35 million in various state projects over 3 years, such as the revitalization of downtown business districts, restoring historical buildings, sporting venues, museums, theatres, as well as lodging facilities and the development of agritourism opportunities in rural areas. 

“The people of Illinois are one of our state’s greatest assets, and our citizens’ welcoming hospitality is instrumental in attracting additional visitors,” said Cory Jobe. “All of these visitors to Illinois, whether they come for business or leisure, have a direct and positive impact on our economy.”

Jobe joins the Illinois Office of Tourism on the heels of three consecutive years of record- breaking tourism results. Illinois welcomed a record 105.7 million visitors in 2013 (the most recent year of available data), generating nearly $2.6 billion in state and local tax revenues.