Meet the ITLA Staff

James M. Collins, Executive Director - Jim joined ITLA in 1992, becoming executive director in 1993. He oversees all aspects of the association. His leadership and political prowess position ITLA as a well-respected association in the halls of the Illinois capitol. In his spare time, Jim enjoys hanging out with his family, golfing, and watching all Chicago sports teams except the Cubs.

Linda K. Benedict, Assistant Executive Director - Linda joined ITLA in 1975 and was named Assistant Executive Director in 1981. She is responsible for coordinating sites and programs for ITLA events along with other management duties. Linda enjoys maintaining her small acreage rural home and riding motorcycles alongside her husband and 2 daughters throughout the U.S. as they have done for over 35 years. She especially enjoys time spent with her grandson, Jack.

Timothy M. McLean, Government Relations - Tim joined ITLA in 2010. Tim leads the lobbying team at the Capitol, where his political acumen and strong relationships ensure that ITLA’s voice is heard and respected. Outside of the workplace, he enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, golfing and volunteering in the community.

Katie Davis, Government Relations & ITLA-PAC - Katie joined ITLA as an in-house lobbyist in January of 2015 and is very passionate about advocating for the rights of injured people. Prior to her work at ITLA, Katie was a staffer for the Senate Democratic Caucus in the Communications Department. Katie met her husband at her very first ITLA Southern Illinois Golf Outing. They enjoy traveling, boating, Cardinals baseball, and spending time with family.

Angela M. Vincent, Publications & Technology - Angela moved to Illinois from Columbia, Missouri to join ITLA in 2001 and handles technology and publications. Her responsibilities include planning the Trial Journal magazine, Vested Interest newsletter, and the weekly e-news. She also keeps the website and listservs functioning. When not working, Angela spends time with her family in their church-converted home in Pleasant Plains.

Kevilee N. Nibbe, Communications & Media Contact / Expert Testimony Exchange - Kevilee joined ITLA in 2008 after leaving her job as the morning meteorologist at NewsChannel 20 in Springfield. She came to ITLA in a communications role shaping ITLA’s messaging and managing ITLA’s social media accounts. She also oversees the Expert Testimony Exchange. In her free time, she enjoys traveling all over the Midwest to watch her kids play competitive sports.

Paula A. Allen, Seminar Services/Membership - Paula joined ITLA in 1993, and in that time she has performed most of the day-to-day duties within ITLA, from printing to membership. She currently oversees Seminars, MCLE Reporting and Membership. Paula was married for 20 yrs. before being widowed in 2021. She has one son, Jack. She lives in rural Petersburg and spends her free time riding motorcycles, hanging with friends and spending time outside with her dogs.

Emily E. Tully, Development - Emily is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois–Springfield and works in Business Development. In her role, Emily helps build and maintain relationships with individuals and businesses participating in the Annual Business Partners Program. She enjoys connecting with members of the community and supporting positive, long-term partnerships. In her free time, Emily enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and spending time with friends.