Legislator luncheon with Leader Kam Buckner and Sen. Bill Cunningham, President Pro Tempore (for IVCA Investor members only)

At the core of IVCA’s mission is our commitment to advocating for Illinois’ venture capital and private equity community. On September 16, IVCA Executive Director Christie Pruyn and IVCA-PAC Legislative Liaison Dave Stricklin will meet with:

• Leader Kam Buckner
• Sen. Bill Cunningham, President Pro Tempore

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:15 PM | Gibsons Italia, 233 N Canal, Chicago

These meetings are part of the ongoing work of the IVCA-PAC), which builds relationships with policymakers, educates them on the importance of private capital in Illinois’ economy, and advocates for a policy environment that supports innovation and investment.

Together, we’re working to ensure that Illinois remains a strong and competitive home for private equity and venture capital.

Interested in attending?
This opportunity is open to IVCA Investor Members only. Please contact Kathy Pyne at kpyne@illinoisvc.org to RSVP

Biographies:

IL State Representative Kam Buckner (D) Speaker Pro Tempore, Co-Budgeteer 26th District

• District: Kam Buckner has represented the 26th District since January 2019. The district contains all or parts of Bronzeville, Gold Coast, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, South Chicago, South Loop, South Shore, Streeterville and Woodlawn.
• Background and Education: Kam Buckner is a native of Chicago’s Southside who earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign while playing football for the Fighting Illini. He went on to earn his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. Buckner worked on Capitol Hill as an aide to United States Senator Richard J. Durbin and then New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. When he returned to Chicago he worked as Executive Director of World Sport Chicago, followed by a front office job for the Chicago Cubs. As State Rep, he has served as the House Chair of the IL Legislative Black Caucus and Assistant Majority Leader for the House Democratic Caucus. He ran in the primary for Chicago Mayor in 2023. Kam, his wife Bernadette and their young son Kas live in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago.
• Committee assignments: Consumer Protection; Ethics and Elections; Judiciary – Civil; Prescription Drug Affordability; Property Tax Subcommittee; Revenue and Finance; Rules; Tax Policy: Finance; Tax Policy: Other Taxes (Chair); Tax Policy: Sales Tax (Chair).

Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham, President Pro Tempore 18th District

• District: Bill Cunningham has represented the the 18th Legislative District since 2013. It includes parts of Chicago’s southwest side and suburbs, including sections of Alsip, Chicago, Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, Merrionette Park, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Willow Springs and Worth. Prior to being elected to the Illinois Senate, Cunningham represented the same area for one term as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives.
• Background and Education: Bill Cunningham is a lifelong resident of the 18th district. He is a graduate of Mount Carmel High School and holds a degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Before serving as a state representative, Cunningham spent 20 years working for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, serving as director of communications to Sheriff Mike Sheahan and chief of staff to Sheriff Tom Dart. He and his wife, Juliana, have two daughters and reside in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.
• Committee Assignments: AI and Social Media (Chair); Assignments; Energy and Public Utilities; Ethics (Chair); Executive; Executive Appointments; Gaming, Wagering and Racing (Chair); Higher Education; Insurance; Special Committee on Tourism.