Christopher Meister

Executive Director

As the Executive Director of the Illinois Finance Authority, Christopher Meister leads a staff of finance and legal experts that provide hands-on support to help Illinois businesses get the capital they need for growth.Meister was appointed to head the IFA in July 2009 after two years as the agency�s General Counsel and Deputy Director. His focus at IFA has been to develop creative new financing tools to help meet the needs of Illinois businesses seeking to create and retain jobs around the state. A frequent speaker and panelist before business groups, Meister actively markets IFA programs and services to reach the broadest possible sector of the business community.Meister has a record of leadership in strengthening economic development statewide. He served as Legislative Director/Associate General Counsel for the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, where his most notable achievement was drafting and securing passage of legislation for the Illinois Film Tax Credit.His private practice experience focused on municipal law and litigation with the firm Holland & Knight LLP. He also served as a law clerk under Illinois Supreme Court Justice McMorrow.Meister is a graduate of DePaul University and the University Of Illinois College Of Law. He and his family live in Oak Park, Illinois.