Besides serving as County Executive, Walsh has a long distinguished career in public service. In 1970, he served as a member of the Elwood School Board and three years later, was elected as Jackson Township Supervisor - a position he held until 2004. Walsh also served as Illinois State Senator for the 43rd District from 1997 to 2005. In this position, he represented a large portion of Will County and parts of Kankakee and Iroquois counties. On two separate occasions, he served terms as a Will County Board member – once in 1974 and again in 1992.

Throughout his exemplary career in public service, Walsh is known for his ability to work in a bipartisan fashion to create real solutions for his constituency. He continues to be recognized for his advocacy on critical issues, including senior rights/services, special needs/disability/access issues and agricultural concerns. By offering an open door-policy, Walsh has worked to increase both accessibility and accountability of government and believe in taking a hands-on approach in governing and through community involvement.

As County Executive in one of the fastest growing counties in the State of Illinois and nation, Walsh believes that it is vital to be proactive when it comes to growth and development in the County. On a daily basis, he works collaboratively with community, business and governmental leaders to insure that the County is prepared to move in an upward and positive direction.

An active member of the community, Walsh is involved in many organizations and serves on a number of boards and committees. He is on the executive board for the Will County Center for Economic Development, as well as on its strategic planning board. He also serves on the Will County Farm Bureau Foundation board, Youth Experiencing Success in School (YESS) advisory board for Joliet Township High Schools, and the Collins Street Task Force. He also is a member of the Elwood Lions Club, the Joliet Exchange Club and the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, His involvement with numerous social service agencies includes Morningstar Mission, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Will and Grundy counties, Lambs Fold and Cornerstone Services.

Walsh, 59, is a lifelong resident of Elwood, IL. He was educated through the Elwood grade school system, is a graduate of Joliet East High School and holds an associate degree in agriculture and business from Joliet Junior College. Walsh also holds an honorary doctorate in humanities from Lewis University.

Along with his sons, Walsh continues to farm family property in Elwood. He is married to the former Irene Quigley and together they have six married children – Larry Jr., Frank, Matthew, Sarah, Shawn and Brian – who have given them “16 wonderful grandchildren”.

Besides serving as County Executive, Walsh has a long distinguished career in public service. In 1970, he served as a member of the Elwood School Board and three years later, was elected as Jackson Township Supervisor - a position he held until 2004. Walsh also served as Illinois State Senator for the 43rd District from 1997 to 2005. In this position, he represented a large portion of Will County and parts of Kankakee and Iroquois counties. On two separate occasions, he served terms as a Will County Board member – once in 1974 and again in 1992.

Throughout his exemplary career in public service, Walsh is known for his ability to work in a bipartisan fashion to create real solutions for his constituency. He continues to be recognized for his advocacy on critical issues, including senior rights/services, special needs/disability/access issues and agricultural concerns. By offering an open door-policy, Walsh has worked to increase both accessibility and accountability of government and believe in taking a hands-on approach in governing and through community involvement.

As County Executive in one of the fastest growing counties in the State of Illinois and nation, Walsh believes that it is vital to be proactive when it comes to growth and development in the County. On a daily basis, he works collaboratively with community, business and governmental leaders to insure that the County is prepared to move in an upward and positive direction.

An active member of the community, Walsh is involved in many organizations and serves on a number of boards and committees. He is on the executive board for the Will County Center for Economic Development, as well as on its strategic planning board. He also serves on the Will County Farm Bureau Foundation board, Youth Experiencing Success in School (YESS) advisory board for Joliet Township High Schools, and the Collins Street Task Force. He also is a member of the Elwood Lions Club, the Joliet Exchange Club and the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, His involvement with numerous social service agencies includes Morningstar Mission, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Will and Grundy counties, Lambs Fold and Cornerstone Services.

Walsh, 59, is a lifelong resident of Elwood, IL. He was educated through the Elwood grade school system, is a graduate of Joliet East High School and holds an associate degree in agriculture and business from Joliet Junior College. Walsh also holds an honorary doctorate in humanities from Lewis University.

Along with his sons, Walsh continues to farm family property in Elwood. He is married to the former Irene Quigley and together they have six married children – Larry Jr., Frank, Matthew, Sarah, Shawn and Brian – who have given them “16 wonderful grandchildren”.