FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2025
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Welcomes Patrick Schweska as New General Counsel
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) is proud to welcome Patrick Schweska as the organization’s new General Counsel. Schweska will lead legal and compliance efforts, serving as an important resource for members and strengthening advocacy efforts on behalf of manufacturers across the state.
“Patrick brings extensive government experience and a strong legal background that will ensure manufacturers can successfully navigate a complex regulatory and policy environment,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the IMA. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team and know he will be a key asset as we work to advance our industry and move makers forward.”
Previously, Schweska spearheaded public policy and advocacy efforts across multiple states for companies including Amazon Web Services and Great Lakes Coca-Cola Bottling. He also has extensive public sector experience, having served as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Legislative Counsel for the City of Chicago, where he negotiated major policy initiatives on behalf of the Mayor’s Office and city agencies.
In addition to his government affairs expertise, Schweska has a robust legal background. As Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, he represented the city in civil litigation, regulatory matters, and financial recovery efforts. His legal experience also includes legislative drafting, regulatory analysis, and risk mitigation. Schweska began his career as Assistant Counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, advising on legislative strategy, policy development, and parliamentary procedure. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University.
“This is an exciting opportunity to bolster one of our state’s most exciting and important industries,” said Schweska. “From regulatory compliance to safeguarding intellectual property, manufacturers face a complicated legal landscape that is constantly evolving. I look forward to leveraging my experience to help manufacturers meet these challenges so they can continue to grow and thrive in Illinois.”
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, visit https://ima-net.org/
###
