Lee Milner named INBA’s ‘Illinoisan of the Year’
The Illinois News Broadcasters Association’s Illinoisan of the Year is someone who has made a significant contribution to Illinois, its citizens, the news profession and public information. Each year, the INBA Past Presidents submit nominations for the award and then cast their votes.
Lee Milner has been chosen as the 2024 recipient. Milner died April 17, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
April 10, 2024, was proclaimed “Lee Milner Day” by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker following a resolution on the House floor for recognition of his service.
In the nominations for the INBA honor, past presidents noted:
Lee generously donated his time and talent to INBA for decades.
Lee’s photography brought images from the state Capitol, the Illinois State Fair, and thousands of other locations and events to the people of Illinois. This, in turn, brought [Illinoisans] to the scene of the action – shedding light on what happens with their tax dollars and votes.
Lee’s tireless support of Illinois took him all across the country, covering political conventions and visiting other people to talk about (and show) how Illinois does things.
Lee’s photos opened up meetings, hearings, events and more to the people who couldn’t otherwise be there. But more than that, Lee’s undying, unwavering love for journalists all over Illinois helped keep the fire burning, and inspired us all to do our very best.
Milner is survived by his wife, Cindy; a son, James, and a daughter, Leanne Sappington, and his grandson.
Daughter Leanne shared her reaction and personal connection to the organization upon hearing of her father’s Illinoisan of the Year award:
“I KNOW this is an honor dad would be so excited and honored by. I actually attended some INBA conventions back in college as part of SINBA, which dad encouraged me to join.”
The Illinoisan of the Year award will be presented posthumously to Lee’s family at the INBA’s Fall Convention in East Peoria, Sept. 20-22, at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 101 Holiday Drive.
To learn more about the history of this award: https://www.inba.net/illinoisan-of-the-year/