John Filan

John Filan is a Vice President with Development Specialists, Inc. (“DSI”) – and co-leader of its recently announced affiliate DSI CIVIC - concentrating in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Prior to DSI, John held several positions in state government, most recently as CEO of the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA). Before IFA he was the state’s Chief Operating Officer (economic development, infrastructure and business regulation), and prior to 2007 Director of the Office of Management and Budget.Prior to his government services, for 25 years John led and later became Managing Partner of FPT&W, Ltd., a regional accounting and consulting firm (one of Crain's Top 25), where he was head of its consulting practice prior to becoming the Managing Partner. The firm had an extensive public sector practice with more than 100 state and local government clients throughout the Midwest. The practice subsequently merged with Crowe Horwath & Co. in 2005. John began his career with Price Waterhouse & Co. and later with IBM Corp.John’s board services have included the Civic Federation, Chicago Board of Education, Illinois Development Finance Authority and Chair of the Comptroller’s Municipal Accounting Advisory Board, among other organizations. His current board service includes Casa Central Social Services, Chicago Sisters Cities - Galway, Ireland Council, and is active in Concern Worldwide, and also serves as a high school basketball official. John has been an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois, City Colleges of Chicago and St. Xavier University. He has been a guest speaker at the City Club of Chicago, Taxpayer’s Federation, Chambers of Commerce, Government Finance Officers Association, Bond Buyer and other conferences, as well as Northwestern University’s Public Policy School, University of Chicago Law School and the National Conference of Actuaries among other organizations. He also has been a guest or panel member on many broadcast, cable news and public interest shows.John has an MBA (Economics and Finance) from the University of Chicago and a B.S. (Accounting) from St. Joseph's College.