Jeff Tilly cares deeply about Winnebago County and the people who call it home. He’s committed to protecting our forests, trails, and rivers so families today—and the next generation—can enjoy them. If you want a commissioner who puts our community and our environment first, Jeff is your vote.
12 YEARS OF SERVICE
With twelve years of dedicated service on the Winnebago County Forest Preserve Board, Jeff Tilly has prioritized the long-term health of our natural heritage. Jeff's commitment is rooted in fiscal responsibility and a deep respect for the land he stewards. Jeff Tilly believes in transparent governance to ensure that every decision protects our environment for generations to come.
Jeff's Achievements
As the longest-serving President of the Board of Commissioners in the District's history, Jeff has led with integrity, vision, and a steady hand—laying the groundwork for the key achievements you’ll see below.
Budget Success
Preservation
Land Growth
Jeff has consistently managed the Preserve's budget with precision, ensuring every dollar is spent on critical infrastructure and ecological maintenance.
Jeff's commitment to protecting our natural heritage has led to the successful acquisition and conservation of over 2000 acres of vital forest land.
We have expanded the Preserve's footprint county wide through land acquisition purchases and donations, added 5 additional forest perserves providing more green space for our community and wildlife.
My Vision for Our Forest Preserves
Jeff Tilly envisions a Winnebago County where our natural treasures are protected, accessible, and managed with the utmost integrity. His plan balances environmental stewardship with the needs of our growing community.
No Data Centers
Conservation
Community Access
Jeff publicly argued before the Rockford City Council against a proposed data center and TIF district industrial development near Kilbuck Creek and other environmentally sensitive areas—standing up to protect our most fragile natural spaces.
Restoring native habitats and expanding wildlife corridors to ensure local biodiversity thrives for generations.
Improving trail safety and educational programming so that every resident can connect with our natural heritage.
Building Partnerships
Land Acquisition
Fiscal Responsibility
Building lasting bonds with local stakeholders and organizations to foster a collaborative culture of land stewardship.
Expanding our acreage and preserves by carefully acquiring natural and environmentally sensitive lands in and around existing forest preserves and waterways.
Applying every resident tax dollar with full accountability to ensure the lasting preservation of our local lands.
More about Jeff
Jeff Tilly’s roots in Winnebago County run deep. He has called the county home his entire life, growing up next door to the Kishwaukee Forest Preserve. As a child, Jeff spent countless hours exploring the woods, walking the trails, and enjoying the outdoors—experiences that helped shape his lifelong love of nature and appreciation for the forest preserves that make this community so special. Jeff earned his associate degree from Rock Valley College and his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University. As a U.S. Navy veteran, he learned firsthand the value of service, responsibility, and giving back to the community. Today, Jeff continues to serve others as the Facilities Director at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. When he’s not working, you’ll often find him hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. For Jeff, running for Forest Preserve Commissioner is about giving back to the community that has given him so much and making sure future generations have the same opportunity to experience, explore, and enjoy the natural places he has loved since childhood.
Community Involvement
Jeff Tilly has always believed that being part of a community means being willing to serve it. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to become involved in several organizations and boards that have allowed him to give back to Winnebago County. Through his participation in Leadership Rockford, Jeff gained a deeper understanding of the people, organizations, and businesses that help make the community strong. He has also served on the Winnebago County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners, gaining firsthand experience in the responsibility of protecting and managing our county’s natural resources. In addition, Jeff has served as a member of the Winnebago County Zoning Board of Appeals, where he has seen the importance of thoughtful planning and responsible decision-making. These experiences have given Jeff a broad perspective on the challenges facing our community and reinforced his belief that effective leadership starts with listening, working together, and putting the long-term interests of Winnebago County first.
Life Experiences
Family
Jeff is a father of four children and two grand daughters. He has resided almost all of his life in Winnebago County, more specifically in the Cherry Valley area. He is a graduate of Jefferson High School as well as Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University. His children attended East and Honnonegah High Schools and are all living in or near Winnebago County, except his youngest son Derek, who is currently serving in the US Navy, stationed at Whidbey Island in Washington State. Jeff is also recently engaged to his fiancé Tracy who also grew up in Winnebago County. Jeff's parents are also currently living in the Cherry Valley and still reside in Jeff's childhood home who he shared it growing up with his younger brother and sister Steve and Amy. Jeff's entire family are all life long Cubs fans.
Employment & Service
Veteran of the United States Navy
Jeff served in the United States Navy directly after High School, as a Fire Controlman participating in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations.
Rockford Register Star
Jeff worked for the Rockford Register Star for 25 years in various rolls including Building Manager, Production Equipment Specialist and Asst. Production Manager.
Facility Director and Operations Manager
Jeff also worked for CBRE at Mondelez International in Loves Park and for Sodexo at ADP in Elk Grove Village.
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Currently Jeff is employed at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine in Rockford as the Director of Facilities and Physical Plant
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