COLLINSVILLE, Ill (March 7, 2019) – Ameren Illinois Chairman and President Richard J. Mark received the 2019 Richard H. Newhouse leadership award by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation.
The award recognizes leaders who pave the way for African-Americans to advance professionally, socially and economically. The late Richard H. Newhouse is a former State Senator who was known for his attention to detail and focus on equality. He was one of the first African-Americans to serve in the state senate. In 1975, Sen. Newhouse ran for Mayor of Chicago against Mayor Richard J. Daley in the Democratic party primary.
"Sen. Richard Newhouse was a trailblazer who helped break barriers in Illinois politics," said Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, who serves as the joint chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. "We are pleased to recognize Ameren Illinois Chairman and President Richard J. Mark with this award for his trailblazing leadership and contributions in the areas of science, innovation and technology."
"Former state legislators, who served with Sen. Newhouse, called me to share what a great political reformer the senator was at a very important time in our state's history," Mark said. "Knowing the legacy of Sen. Richard Newhouse, I'm all the more appreciative and honored to receive a leadership award in his name."
Mark was honored at the Black Caucus' annual event on Feb. 20 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers in central and southern Illinois. Our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com, find us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.com/Ameren Illinois.