Donna Miller facts for kids

Donna Miller, born on September 7, 1965, is a politician. She works as a Cook County commissioner. This means she helps make decisions for Cook County, which is a large area in Illinois. She represents the 6th district of the county.

About Donna Miller

Early Life and Education

Donna Miller was born Donna Lynne Black in 1965. She grew up mostly in Chicago. She went to Odgen Elementary School. In 1983, she graduated from Lane Technical High School.

After high school, Donna attended Howard University. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1987. Later, in 1992, she took more business classes at Pepperdine University.

In 2001, Donna married David E. Miller. She took his last name.

Her Career Before Politics

Before becoming a commissioner, Donna Miller worked in healthcare. She was a health care consultant and an account specialist. She has many years of experience in the biotech pharmaceutical healthcare industry.

Donna also worked with Congresswoman Robin Kelly. She helped on a healthcare task force for her district. She also co-chaired a golf event for Robin Kelly from 2014 to 2017.

Miller has been involved in many community groups. She was the vice-president of Illinois Democratic Women. She also worked with the Alliance of Illinois State Dental Society. She served on the board for the Christian Community Health Center.

Donna also mentored young people through "Jobs for Youth" and the "MIKVA Challenge." She was part of the Walgreens HIV Task Force. She was also a member of groups like the Healthcare Business Women's Association and the League of Women Voters. She worked as a Director for the American Heart Association.

In 2016, Donna Miller supported Hillary Clinton in her campaign for president. She was part of the Illinois Clinton Leadership Team. She also served on a committee for the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Running for Office

2012 State Senate Campaign

In 2012, Donna Miller decided to run for the Illinois Senate. She wanted to represent the 15th district. The previous senator, James Meeks, was leaving his position.

Her main opponents were Napoleon Harris, a former NFL player, and Patricia Mahon. Donna Miller received support from several groups. These included the Illinois AFL–CIO and two large teacher's unions.

In the end, Napoleon Harris won the Democratic nomination. Donna Miller came in second place. Harris then won the general election without any opponents.

Becoming a Cook County Commissioner

In 2018, Donna Miller ran for the 6th district seat. This seat had become open after Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy passed away. Edward Moody had been filling the seat, but he chose not to run for a full term.

Donna Miller's opponents in the Democratic primary were Patricia Joan Murphy (the daughter of the previous commissioner) and Lou Presta.

Many groups supported Donna Miller's campaign. These included the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times newspapers. She also received endorsements from unions like SEIU and United Food and Commercial Workers. Several politicians, including Danny K. Davis and Robin Kelly, also supported her.

Her opponent, Lou Presta, faced some criticism. He suggested selling parts of the Cook County Forest Preserves to help the county's budget. He also had some negative news about personal debt.

Donna Miller won the primary election. She then won the general election without any opponents. In 2022, she was elected to serve a second term as a Cook County Commissioner.

Personal Life

Donna Miller is married to Dr. David E. Miller. They have two sons named Daniel and Donovan. Her husband, David E. Miller, served as an Illinois state representative for ten years.

The Miller family lives in Lynwood, Illinois.

Electoral History

Illinois State Senate

Cook County Board of Commissioners