Upon moving to the Peoria area in 2008, Robert Gates became a practicing attorney with Kavanagh, Scully, Sudow, White & Frederick, P.C. He assumed a lead role in counseling Peoria Public School District 150, and quickly built a sufficient private practice and community presence to be made a partner at the firm. In 2010, he became one of the youngest delegates from the Tenth Judicial Circuit ever elected to the governing body of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Gates recently accepted a position as general counsel and vice president of human resources at Federal Companies. In this role, he focuses on a broad range of legal issues, providing counsel and guidance to the
company’s board of directors, executives, and various offices and affiliates. He manages all legal services required by the company, including outside counsel. In partnership with business unit managers, Gates also leads the hiring, training and career development of employees to maximize talent and industry competitiveness for the company.
Despite having lived in Peoria for a short time, Gates immediately embraced the community, offering his time and talents to serve with a number of charitable, civic and professional organizations. An active board member, he often tackles tasks that others would prefer to avoid.
He has been a member of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors since 2009, and currently chairs its personnel committee. He has served on the Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Committee for the past two years, and currently serves as vice president of the Knolls Homeowner Association Board of Directors.
Gates has held numerous leadership positions with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves on its board of directors and Business Advocacy Committee. He also helped to recognize the courage of local citizens as a member of the American Red Cross 2011 Heartland Heroes Dinner Award Committee. iBi