Thomas F. Bennington, Jr., an attorney and partner with Lawrence, Kamin, Saunders & Uhlenhop, concentrates his practice in business sales and purchases, commercial real estate, business succession planning, and related wills and trusts.
Tom has served the public in both civic and charitable activities, and has served as a board member and executive committee member for United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, a board member and President for the Boy Scouts of America, Des Plaines Valley Council, board member for the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and as committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 99 in Downers Grove.
During Tom’s legal career, he has served many civic and charitable organizations, bringing his legal and political experience to positions that include commissioner, president, chair, board member, or volunteer. Tom served as a County Board Member for DuPage County, Illinois from 1998 – 2010 and as a Commissioner for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. In these roles, Tom made land acquisition, policy, personnel, and budgetary decisions for organizations that had combined budgets of over $600 million per year and over 2,000 employees. During Tom’s time on the Forest Preserve Commission, land acquisition was a priority made possible, in part, by the efforts of The Conservation Foundation. While serving on the DuPage County Board, Tom spearheaded the development and creation of the Southern DuPage Regional Trail, a 46 mile multi-use trail system which connects 11 communities across the southern half of DuPage County.
“The mission of The Conservation Foundation is near and dear to my heart. I grew up downstate along the Illinois River and I&M Canal, where open space was taken for granted. After moving to the suburbs and commuting to Chicago on a daily basis, I felt disconnected from the benefits which open space and interaction with the environment provide. While on the Forest Preserve Commission of DuPage County and DuPage County Board, I was able to reconnect with my open space roots and help drive open space preservation, the development of multi-use trail systems and environmental awareness and education in DuPage County. During that time, I became familiar with The Conservation Foundation and became a ‘true believer’ in its work. I am honored to be part of The Conservation Foundation, its mission, and its past and future impact on northeastern Illinois and its residents.”
Tom is an avid outdoorsman, who spends his time with his 3 adult Eagle Scout sons and his wonderful and patient spouse, Tracy, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing.
