The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Caucus of Public Health Professionals

Tom Hughes is the Government Affairs and Public Health Consultant for the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), serving in that role since February 2009.

Prior to his move to the IPHA Tom had a long career in state government spanning more than 32 years. He left the State of Illinois in 2008 after having served as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Protection at the Illinois Department of Public Health. As Deputy Director, Tom oversaw the operations of the three Illinois State labs, the Division of Food, Drugs and Dairy, Environmental Health and Infectious Diseases. His Office employed more than 400 people with a budget exceeding $180 million dollars annually. During his tenure he dealt with the arrival of West Nile Virus, he expanded HIV testing and screening for newborns, implemented electronic business applications and advocated for expanded medical assistance for people with HIV/AIDS.

Tom has served in many positions in state government having worked for the Illinois House of Representatives where he managed floor activity for the Republican Leadership, staffed the Executive Committee and worked appropriations and budget. He was legislative liaison for the Illinois Department of Employment Security, was appointed Deputy Comptroller for Illinois by Comptroller Loleta Didrikson upon her election to office, and served as State Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka's Legislative Director and Chief of Staff for Lt. Governor Wood.

Tom is originally from Mattoon, Illinois and Graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Political Science and History.