Illinois Supreme Court Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Illinois Supreme Court has 4 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, information technology, staff management, and public communications.

Committed to upholding the rule of law, Illinois Supreme Court ensures equal access to justice through the efficient administration of judicial resources and the provision of essential legal services for all citizens.

Leadership Roles at Illinois Supreme Court

  • Chief of Staff - John Chatz
  • Chief Information Officer, Illinois Supreme Court & Administrative Office of The Illinois Courts - Skip Robertson
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Joy Thibadeau
  • Chief Communications Officer - Christopher Bonjean
  • John Chatz - Chief of Staff

    John Chatz, the Chief of Staff at Illinois Supreme Court, directs the daily administrative operations and internal organizational workflows. Managing the high-level coordination between judicial departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that all internal policies align with the broader mission of the state judiciary. John Chatz oversees the allocation of resources to support the Supreme, Appellate, and Circuit Courts, maintaining operational efficiency across the entire system. By facilitating communication between the administrative office and the bench, the Chief of Staff optimizes the delivery of legal services. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that impact the statewide judicial infrastructure. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the Chief of Staff guarantees that the administrative framework supports the protection of individual rights and liberties. Chatz maintains a focus on institutional stability, ensuring that the judicial branch functions effectively for the public and legal professionals alike.

    Skip Robertson - Chief Information Officer, Illinois Supreme Court & Administrative Office of The Illinois Courts

    Skip Robertson, the Chief Information Officer, Illinois Supreme Court & Administrative Office of The Illinois Courts at Illinois Supreme Court, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern judicial operations. Overseeing the implementation of e-filing systems and secure data management, the Chief Information Officer, Illinois Supreme Court & Administrative Office of The Illinois Courts ensures that technology enhances access to justice. Skip Robertson drives the modernization of court records and digital resources, providing essential tools for legal professionals and the general public. By managing the cybersecurity posture of the judicial network, the Chief Information Officer, Illinois Supreme Court & Administrative Office of The Illinois Courts protects sensitive legal data across the state. This role involves integrating advanced software solutions to streamline case management and improve transparency. Robertson maintains a focus on technological scalability, ensuring that the digital environment remains robust and accessible for all users within the Illinois judicial system.

    Joy Thibadeau - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Joy Thibadeau, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Illinois Supreme Court, supports the execution of strategic initiatives and manages cross-departmental collaboration. Assisting in the oversight of judicial staff programs, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that educational resources and training initiatives meet the needs of the court system. Joy Thibadeau coordinates the implementation of administrative policies, focusing on the operational requirements of the Supreme, Appellate, and Circuit Courts. By facilitating communication between various administrative units, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains alignment with the core mission of the office. This leadership role involves monitoring the effectiveness of internal programs and adjusting workflows to improve service delivery. Thibadeau drives the development of organizational standards that promote equal access to justice. Through careful management of staff resources and administrative projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the overall efficiency and integrity of the state judicial branch.

    Christopher Bonjean - Chief Communications Officer

    Christopher Bonjean, the Chief Communications Officer at Illinois Supreme Court, manages the public information strategy and external outreach for the judicial branch. Directing the dissemination of essential resources, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the public and legal professionals receive accurate information regarding court services and judicial processes. Christopher Bonjean oversees the development of educational materials and public-facing content that clarifies the role of the Supreme, Appellate, and Circuit Courts. By maintaining transparency and fostering public trust, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens the connection between the judiciary and the citizens of Illinois. This leadership role involves coordinating media relations and managing the digital presence of the office to ensure accessibility. Bonjean drives the communication strategy that supports the mission of protecting rights and liberties. Through consistent and clear messaging, the Chief Communications Officer promotes a deeper understanding of the legal system and its impact on the community.
    Christopher Bonjean

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Illinois Supreme Court Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Illinois Supreme Court?
    Illinois Supreme Court is led by John Chatz (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Skip Robertson (Chief Information Officer, Illinois Supreme Court & Administrative Office of The Illinois Courts) and Joy Thibadeau (Deputy Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Illinois Supreme Court’s executive team?
    The executive team of Illinois Supreme Court includes leaders such as John Chatz (Chief of Staff), Skip Robertson (Chief Information Officer, Illinois Supreme Court & Administrative Office of The Illinois Courts), Joy Thibadeau (Deputy Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Illinois Supreme Court have?
    Illinois Supreme Court has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Illinois Supreme Court’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Illinois Supreme Court includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Illinois Supreme Court & Administrative Office of The Illinois Courts, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Communications Officer.