Biography

Kathy Ryg is serving her third term as State Representative for the 59th District. The district includes all or part of Vernon Hills, Prairie View, Long Grove, Buffalo Grove, Mettawa, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Waukegan, Indian Creek, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, North Chicago, Park City, Riverwoods, Wheeling, and Northbrook.

Ryg has proven herself to be an experienced and effective leader with a long history of public service in local, county, and state government.

  • Counselor and Administrator - Clearbrook Center (1974-1979)
  • Counselor and Administrator - Northwest Mental Health Center (1982-1989)
  • Village Clerk - Vernon Hills (1989-1996)
  • Chief Deputy Recorder of Deeds - Lake County (1996-2002)
  • Village Trustee - Vernon Hills (1999-2002)

Ryg's commitment to public life goes beyond public service. She has been a cornerstone of the civic community. She is a member of:

  • Children's Mental Health Partnership Board
  • League of Women Voters
  • Lake County After School Coalition (Co-President)
  • Lake County Transportation Alliance Advisory Board
  • Mundelein-Vernon Hills Rotary Club
As State Representative, Ryg serves on the following House Committees:
  • Disability Services Committee, Chair
  • Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education
  • Local Government
  • Mass Transit
  • Bio-Technology
  • Committee of the Whole
  • Driver's Education and Safety, Vice Chair
Ryg is also a leader of the General Assembly and serves as:
  • Chair-Local Government Caucus
  • Board of Directors/Secretary-Education Caucus

Ryg's legislative priorities include education, healthcare, and transportation. She is a strong voice for those who need an advocate in state government - seniors, children and adults with special needs, and families in distress.

Ryg has a Masters in Public Administration and a Masters of Arts in Education from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor of Science in Family Services from Northern Illinois University. She is also a graduate of the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development program.

Representative Ryg has received the following awards:

  • IVI - IPO- Best Legislative Voting Record Award, 2008
  • Lake County Council for Exceptional Children- Milton Brown Award, 2008
  • Phi Delta Kappa- Friend of Education Award, 2008
  • The Arc of Illinois- Legislator of the Year, 2008
  • ACMHAI- Legislator of the Year, 2008
  • Hemophilia Foundation of Illinois- Legislator of the Year, 2008
  • ICMHP Recognition- Leadership & Commitment to Children's Mental Health, 2008
  • Illinois Assoc. of Student Assistance Professionals- VIP Award, 2008
  • National Association of Social Workers- Legislator of the Year, 2007
  • NAMI Illinois- "Heroes in the Fight" Community Supporter Award, 2007
  • Illinois Counseling Association- McGinn/Clark Award Legislator of the Year, 2007
  • Life Services Network- Legislator of the Year, 2007
  • Community Behavioral Healthcare Association- Legislator of the Year, 2007
  • IL Health Care Assoc. & IL Council on Long Term Care- Legislator of the Year, 2007
  • The Child Care Coalition of Lake County Recognition Award, 2007
  • Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities- Legislator of the Year, 2007
  • Illinois Assoc. of County Board Members & Commissioners - Legislator of the Year, 2007
  • North Suburban Library Service - Legislator of the Year, 2007
  • The People's Voice - The Freedom Award, 2007
  • Long Term Care Coalition - Legislator of the Year, 2006
  • Illinois Municipal League - Friend of Municipalities, 2006
  • Illinois Assoc. of School Social Workers - Legislator of the Year, 2006
  • Lake County Farm Bureau - Friend of Agriculture, 2006
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness - Lawmaker of the Year, 2006
  • Glenkirk Foundation Legislator of the Year, 2006
  • Arden Shore's "Rebuilding Children's Lives" Award, 2006
  • Mundelein Park District Community Service Award, 2005
  • Illinois Association of Park District's Outstanding Legislator of the Year, 2005
  • Illinois Association of Police Chief's Public Official of the Year, 2005
  • Nicasa Community Leadership Award, 2005
  • Illinois Center for Violence Prevention Peace Leader Award, 2005
  • Illinois Health Care Association Legislator of the Year, 2005
  • Wheeling High School Distinguished Alumni Award, 2005
  • Arden Shore Child and Family Services Certificate of Recognition, 2005
  • Delta Kappa Gamma Women Educators' Society Award, 2005
  • Arc of Illinois Legislator of the Year, 2005
  • Illinois Psychological Association Legislator of the Year, 2004
  • Friend of Agriculture Award, 2004
  • Northpointe Legislator of the Year, 2004
  • Gurnee Park District Community Service Award, 2004
  • Illinois Homecare Council Legislator of the Year, 2003
  • Special Friend of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois, 2003
  • Illinois Environmental Council 100% voting record on environmental legislation/Friend of the Environment (Sierra Club), 2003 and 2004



kathy@kathyryg.org