The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), its Members, and staff wish to thank Chris for his unwavering dedication to service as Executive Director. We will miss his enthusiasm, his leadership, and his commitment to the IFA’s mission of fostering economic development, creating and retaining jobs, and improving quality of life for Illinois residents.
Chris joined IFA in 2007 as General Counsel and has served as Executive Director since 2009. In that time, Chris faithfully executed his duties as Executive Director of the IFA, increasing total assets of IFA from $424 million to $2.4 billion in, increasing the Net Position of IFA from $89 million to $144 million, and always striving to serve in the best interest of the IFA and the people of Illinois.
IFA issued nearly 1,000 bonds during Chris’ tenure as Executive Director, which provided approximately $45 billion in private capital for hospitals, universities, farms, local governments, water infrastructure such as sewers and drinking water systems, and Illinois businesses.
Chris oversaw IFA’s designation as the State’s Climate Bank in 2021 and worked to secure over $490 million in federal funding for climate-related purposes, including solar, energy efficiency, EV charging infrastructure, and grid resilience improvements. These awards will provide grant and financing programs to help residents, businesses, and communities implement equitable clean energy solutions while creating more sustainable and equitable future for all residents of the State.
While we miss our friend and colleague, we take comfort in knowing that he and his family will enjoy happiness and success in his future endeavors. We are grateful to Chris for his years of outstanding service to IFA and the people of Illinois and wish him all the best in his next role!
Following Chris Meister’s departure from IFA, Ximena “Six” Granda will serve as Interim Executive Director of the Illinois Finance Authority. Please join us in congratulating Six on her new appointment!