Meet the Candidates!
Learn more about each candidate below.
Dan Brady
Bloomington Mayor and Long-time Civic Volunteer
Mayor Dan Brady is a Bloomington native and community leader. Dan previously served as a State Representative and McLean County Coroner. Dan has served on boards for Advocate BroMenn, the McLean County Center for Human Services, United Way, and the American Red Cross. A former small business owner and long-time civic volunteer, Dan continues to prioritize organizations that support the health and growth of the community.
Dan Brownstone
Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Trained Classical Pianist and Arts Supporter
Dr. Brownstone is Board Certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and maintains an active general ophthalmology practice for adults. Brownstone came to Central Illinois after serving in the United States Air Force as chief of the ophthalmology department at Scott Air Force Base Medical Center. Outside of the office, Dr. Brownstone is a trained classical pianist. He has also been an executive member of the Illinois Symphony Board of Directors for several years and enjoys supporting the community and promoting the arts.
Tom Carroll
University Professor, Leadership Consultant, Board Leader, Yoga Teacher and World Traveler
Tom Carroll is a retired Chief Human Resource Officer for a Fortune 250 company. Currently, he consults on many corporate projects, provides executive coaching, speaks on many leadership topics, and teaches at Illinois State University. Tom serves on a number of not-for-profit Boards in our community - The Baby Fold Board, Miller Park Zoological Society Board, United Way Board, and the State Board of Nursing. Music and music education are a deeply felt passion so, supporting the Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s Celebrity Conductor Challenge is an exciting new opportunity for Tom.
Sharon Chung
State Representative and Accomplished Musician
State Representative Sharon Chung is a lifelong Illinoisan, dedicated mother, educator, and accomplished musician. A professional violist and violinist, she is an active member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 301 and frequently performs across Central Illinois. The daughter of Korean immigrants, Sharon first came to Bloomington to attend Illinois Wesleyan University She returned to Bloomington to raise her family and has proudly called it home since 2009, where she lives with her two daughters. She is a strong advocate for working families and the residents of the 91st District.
Julie Baker Dobski
Business Leader and Philanthropist
Julie Baker Dobski has served Central Illinois as a business leader and philanthropist for nearly 35 years, dedicating her time and resources to countless community organizations and causes. After moving to Bloomington-Normal in 1988 with her husband Bob and their four children, she helped grow a successful business that included McDonald’s franchises and Little Jewels Learning Centers. Julie has held numerous leadership roles, including president of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and Sunrise Rotary, and currently serves on the ISU College of Business Advisory Board and The Baby Fold. Among her many honors, Julie is especially proud of receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Illinois State
Dick Meads, a.k.a. Santa Claus
General Sales Manager Barker Motor Company and Community Gift Giver
Dick Meads may be the General Sales Manager of Barker Motor by day, but come December he’s on special assignment from the North Pole. A longtime champion of the arts, former zoo board president, and all around community “gift giver,” he’s delighted to help the Illinois Symphony Orchestra wrap up their fundraising in style. Rumor has it, he’s been practicing his baton work between cookie breaks.
Past Celebrity Conductor Challenge Winners
Congratulations to John Carter for winning the Celebrity Conductor Challenge in 2022 in Bloomington-Normal and Dr. Sandra Yeh for winning the Celebrity Conductor Challenge in 2024 in Springfield!
Photo Credit: 2022 David Fitch | 2024 Javed Rassi
