John S. Lillard
Former Chairman
Wintrust Financial Corporation
Professional
From 1998 to 2010, John S. Lillard served as chairman of the board of directors of Wintrust Financial, a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, from 1998 to 2010. He was a founder of Lake Forest Bank and Trust in 1991, and serves also as a director of the bank.
Mr. Lillard served as a director of Stryker Corporation from 1978-2005 and Cintas Corporation from 1978-2000. In 1978, Mr. Lillard co-founded JMB Institutional Realty (JMB) where he served as president and chairman-founder until the company's sale in 1994. Prior to his involvement with JMB, Mr. Lillard worked for Scudder, Stevens, and Clark (1956-1978) where he was a portfolio manager, managed offices in Cincinnati and Chicago, served on the firm's board of directors, and was a general partner. Prior to joining Scudder, Stevens, and Clark, Mr. Lillard served in the U.S. Navy as a Lt. jg.
Education
Mr. Lillard earned his master of business administration in finance from Xavier University and has a BA degree in English from the University of Virginia.
Memberships & Affiliations | Honors & Awards
- Member, Visiting Committee, Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago
- Member, Dean's International Council, Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago
- Life Trustee, Chicago Symphony
- Trustee, Lake Forest College
- Life Director, Lake Forest Open Lands Association
- Board of Governors, Shoreacres, Lake Bluff
- Life Director, Children’s Home and Aid Society of Illinois
- Director, Jack Miller Center
Personal
Mr. Lillard and his wife, Paula, have five married daughters and nine grandchildren, and reside in Lake Forest.
