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Purpose-Driven Lives

ATG Leaders Devoted to Public Service

At ATG, service to the community is central to our mission. Over the years, we have supported and taken leadership roles in many worthy organizations such as The Jesse White Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kids Above All, and pro bono programs related to housing and access to justice. On a more personal and individual level, two of our leaders have answered the call to public service in big and meaningful ways:
 

Peter Birnbaum, ATG President and CEO / Chief Justice, Illinois Court of Claims | The Illinois Senate recently confirmed Governor JB Pritzker’s re-appointment of Peter as the Chief Justice of the Illinois Court of Claims. Peter has served as a judge on the court since 2004 and was first appointed Chief Justice in 2015. With this appointment, Peter is the only known person to have been appointed to four separate terms by four different Governors. Congratulations, Peter!

The Illinois Court of Claims was established by the legislature in 1889 as a forum of limited jurisdiction to render decisions on monetary claims and lawsuits against the state. Birnbaum is one of seven judges on the Court of Claims. They are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Illinois Senate. “It has been a privilege to serve the people of Illinois through the Court of Claims, which plays an integral role in determining the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens. Being confirmed for another term as Chief Justice is a special honor,” Birnbaum said.

During his tenure with the court, Peter has provided leadership in several areas, including cases involving police officers, firefighters and soldiers killed in the line of duty, or persons found to be factually innocent of a crime that resulted in their conviction, significant personal injury cases and contract disputes. He also has authored several significant opinions, for example:

• Dorsey v. State, a State Trooper who killed two young girls while he was texting and driving at reckless speeds. It was the first decision by an Illinois after amendments to the Wrongful Death Act that allowed parents to recover damages for grief and suffering.
• Glenn v State, corrupt Chicago police officers planted drugs on a woman in retribution for her calling the police misconduct board and complaining of their practice of shaking down and extorting money from public housing residents.

Birnbaum’s 42-year career at ATG is studded with awards for service and leadership. His office displays a mix of framed photos of his three children along with many plaques and assorted honoraria his children call pickle dishes to commemorate decades of recognition for service and stewardship. Among them: the prestigious Academy of Illinois Lawyers – Laureate, in recognition of his lifetime of service to the public and the profession; the Illinois Bar Foundation Distinguished Award for Excellence; and The Chicago Bar Association John Paul Stevens Award.   Other highlights of Peter’s career include being a past president of the alumni board and current member of the board of overseers for the Chicago-Kent College of Law. Birnbaum was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from the college in 2004. Then in 2013, he was named one of the college’s 125 Alumni of Distinction over its 125-year history Peter is also proud to serve as President of the Jesse White Foundation. He has also served the real estate and title insurance industry in many ways, including being elected to the board of the American Land Title Association in 2009 and later serving as treasurer. Peter is also a part-time musician, avid golfer, and devoted dad.

Deborah Frank Feinen, ATG Vice President – Downstate Operations / Mayor, City of Champaign | Deb was recently re-elected for her third term as mayor of Champaign, Illinois, in a contested election where she earned 75% of the vote. Congratulations, Deb!  

A prominent figure in the community, Feinen's tenure as mayor has been characterized by her commitment to its betterment, as well as her dedication to promoting economic development, social justice, and inclusivity. "I am deeply honored and grateful to the residents of Champaign for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as their mayor. I am committed to working collaboratively with residents, local leaders, and community organizations to continue my efforts to make Champaign a prosperous, inclusive, and vibrant city for all." The City of Champaign, whose population is 99,000, operates under the council-manager form of government wherein the public elects a City Council and Mayor, who serve as the City’s governing body. The City Council then appoints a professional City Manager, who is the Chief Executive Officer for the City government, implements Council direction, and oversees day-to-day operations.  

Feinen's leadership has been marked by her proactive approach to addressing key issues: 

• A strong advocate for economic development, Feinen works tirelessly to attract new businesses and investments to Champaign, which has resulted in increased job opportunities and economic growth.  
• Under her leadership, Champaign has invested in transformative infrastructure projects, created its first Equity and Engagement Department, and invested in people by funding local non-profits to provide much needed services. 

Feinen’s leadership at ATG has been in the top downstate operations position since early 2019. She brought with her more than 25 years' experience as a lawyer including more than ten years as an active ATG agent. Her law practice in Champaign-Urbana included real estate, estate planning and administration, guardianship, business law, and school law. She has an impressive history of service in Champaign County, which includes nine years on the Champaign City Council, 14 years on the Champaign County Board, and many other areas of involvement. In addition to her career, civic involvement, and family life, Deb has served on various boards in the community, including Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana, Amasong, and as a liaison to the Developmental Disabilities Board.  

Deb was elected to the Illinois Land Title Association Board of Directors in 2021 and is a member of the Champaign County Bar Association, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Illinois State Bar Association, Champaign County Association of Realtors, Affiliate Member, and US Conference of Mayors. Deb is also an amateur photographer, runner, wife, and mom to two daughters. 

[Last updated 6.5.2023]