Preceded by David A. Wirsing Preceded by George Daugherty Name Robert Pritchard | Spouse(s) Mary Pritchard Children two Succeeded by Dennis S. Sands | |
Education University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign | ||
Alma mater University of Illinois | ||
Robert W. Pritchard (born February 2, 1945) is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 70th district since 2003. He represents the residents of DeKalb County and portions of Kane and Boone counties. Pritchard has been serving in the Illinois House since 2003.
Contents
Early life, education and career
Pritchard was born February 2, 1945 in Aurora, Illinois. He grew up on a farm near Hinckley, Illinois. Pritchard majored in communications at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned both a bachelors and masters degree. His wife, Mary, is an Associate Dean at Northern Illinois University. They have two grown sons.
After graduation, Pritchard returned to work on the family farm, but also began working as a radio and TV broadcaster for local stations. In keeping with his expertise, Pritchard delivered the farming updates and local weather reports. He also worked in various marketing, public relations and community relation roles at DEKALB Genetics Corporation/Monsanto Company and for several universities.
Political career
Pritchard served on the Hinckley-Big Rock Board of Education and was elected to a leadership position for the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. He was elected to the DeKalb County Board and served as its chairman. In December 2003, Pritchard was appointed to the Illinois House of Representatives after the passing of David A. Wirsing. He has been active in such issues as early childhood and education, health care, conservation, the environment, job creation, and protecting the manufacturing industry. He serves as Republican spokesman on the State Government Administration Committee and is co-chair of the Legislative Education Caucus which he helped form. He announced his retirement from the Illinois General Assembly.