Mr. Gilbert’s career has included private sector and government experience. After graduation from law school, Chicago Mayor Harold Washington appointed him Deputy Commissioner of Consumer Services. In this position, Vincent was responsible for origination and organizing the Sidewalk Café Program and the Celebrate on State Street Program. He oversaw the Farmers Market Program, The State Street Mall Vendors Program, The Navy Pier Vendors Program including drafting and implementing the City’s rules and regulations for these Programs. Mr. Gilbert then served as District Director for U.S. Congressman Gus Savage’s (D-2nd) Chicago Office, and later as Legislative Assistant for Congressman Savage in Washington D.C. offices. In 1992, Illinois Governor Jim Edgar appointed Mr. Gilbert as the Illinois Small Business Utility Advocate. In this position he advocated on behalf of Illinois’ small businesses before the Illinois Commerce (ICC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and before various administrative and legal forums. Gilbert served in this position until 2001. While in this position, Mr. Gilbert was elected Chairman of Illinois’ Community Technology Fund, a fund designed to bridge the “digital divide” between the digital haves and have nots. Since 2014, Vincent has been the Executive Director, of the Gardner Initiative, a not for profit inspired by Ed Gardner iconic founder of Soft Sheen Products. Mr. Gilbert has worked closely with The City of Chicago’s Public Building Commission and is credited with increasing contracts and employment for African Americans.Mr. Gilbert, was, Regional Vice President of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, and is also Chairman of the Chambers Utility Committee 2015-2019.Mr., Gilbert, is currently Chairman of the Maple Park Community Assocation.Vincent Gilbert, is also, Stewardship Chairman, for, Maple Park Methodist Church, Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Jannett Wilson. Vincent received his BA from Indiana University, in 1978, and his JD from John Marshall Law School of Chicago, Illinois in 1983. He and his wife Denise have one Son and one Daughter.