Mayor Clint Hull has been selected as one of 41 leaders from across Illinois to join the 2026 Edgar Fellows Class, a prestigious bipartisan leadership program that brings together emerging leaders from government, business, labor, nonprofit organizations and public policy.
The 2026 Edgar Fellows will participate in an intensive executive leadership program Aug. 2–6, 2026, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. At the program, Fellows will engage with distinguished leaders and public policy experts to explore many of the critical issues shaping Illinois' future, including electric capacity, criminal justice, artificial intelligence, data center development, workforce development, Medicaid, and the state budget.
"Mayor Hull has consistently demonstrated the kind of thoughtful, solutions-oriented leadership that makes a real difference in St. Charles and the surrounding communities," said State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), an Edgar Fellows alum and former Mayor of St. Charles. "In addition to his service as mayor, Clint brings the unique perspective of having served as both a Circuit Judge and Chief Judge in Kane County. That experience gives him a deep understanding of the judicial branch and its role in shaping public policy and serving our communities. Mayor Hull's insights into the judicial aspects of government will be a tremendous asset to the class as they work together to address the challenges facing Illinois. His selection is a well-earned recognition of his leadership and unwavering commitment to public service."
City Administrator Heather McGuire said Hull's selection is a testament to his collaborative leadership and will benefit the entire St. Charles community. "Mayor Hull's selection to the Edgar Fellows Program is a tremendous honor for both him and the City of St. Charles. The opportunity to collaborate with some of Illinois’ most promising leaders and work on the state's most pressing issues will bring valuable perspectives back to our community. The knowledge, partnerships, and innovative approaches gained through the program will directly support the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance local services, strengthen policy development, and plan for long‑term community needs. We look forward to the ideas, relationships, and insights that will help strengthen our City and better serve our residents."
A lifelong St. Charles resident who previously served as Chief Judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Kane County and President of the St. Charles Park District Board before being elected mayor of St. Charles, Hull reflected on the recognition. “I’m honored to have been selected to participate in the 2026 Edgar Fellowship Program. The Program was created to highlight the importance of bipartisan leadership and to encourage all of us to work together to address the issues facing our city and state. I am grateful that we have a great group of councilpersons, intergovernmental partners, city staff, and residents who all work together to make St. Charles such a great place to live. I look forward to sharing what I learned and helping to move St. Charles forward.”
Started in 2012 by the late Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, the Edgar Fellows Program was created to foster thoughtful, bipartisan leadership and encourage respectful collaboration in addressing the state's most pressing challenges. Each class reflects Illinois' political, geographic and demographic diversity and includes elected and appointed officials, business executives, nonprofit and labor leaders, and other emerging leaders committed to public service.
Selection for the Edgar Fellows Program is by nomination only. Candidates are evaluated and chosen by a selection committee.