Michael M. Cabonargi serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), bringing more than 30 years of experience across government, law, economic development and organizational leadership.
Throughout his career, Michael has built partnerships across government, business and civic institutions to strengthen organizations, modernize operations and expand economic opportunity. Before joining IMEC, he served as a Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Prior to the bench, Michael served as Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Great Lakes Region, overseeing federal program delivery across six states and 34 sovereign tribal nations. He also served for more than 11 years as a Commissioner and Chair of the Cook County Board of Review, where he led significant organizational modernization. Earlier in his career, he served as senior counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
A first-generation Italian American from Highwood, Illinois, Michael believes manufacturing is essential to the strength of Illinois’ economy and communities. He is committed to building strong partnerships that help manufacturers address challenges, strengthen their businesses and create opportunities to grow, innovate and compete. As President and CEO, he will lead IMEC in their continued efforts to support manufacturers across Illinois and strengthen the state’s economic and workforce competitiveness.
Michael holds a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Ohio, where he served as student body president. His leadership and service have been recognized through honors including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman’s Award for Excellence and the Director’s Award, the National Association of Counties Achievement Award for Information Technology and selection as a Fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago. Michael serves on a number of boards and commissions, including the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Presidential Foundation, the only national foundation dedicated to expanding access to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
