March 3, 2019 - Phil Gonet, President of the Illinois Coal Association, has announced that he will retire from the position of President at the end of 2019, signaling the end of 16 years of service as an effective advocate of the state’s coal industry.

Phil Gonet

Since 2004 Gonet has successfully guided the ICA in the promotion of Illinois coal as a safe, affordable, and abundant source of power and economic prosperity for multiple counties in Illinois.  During his tenure, Gonet played a critical role in promoting and achieving legislative and regulatory outcomes that have had a positive effect for the Illinois coal industry as well as for families of thousands of coal miners.

“We appreciate Phil Gonet’s many years of hard work on behalf of the ICA,” said Steve Hicks of White Stallion Energy, Chairman of the ICA Board of Directors.  “All of the Association’s members thank Phil for his dedication to our industry and to the thousands of hardworking coal miners we represent.”

The Association will begin a formal search to fill the position of ICA President.  Gonet will assist the Association with the search and continue to provide leadership during the transition period.

The Illinois Coal Association is the professional trade organization responsible for the promotion of Illinois coal, a natural resource found in great abundance in Illinois.  To carry out its mission, the Springfield-based Association represents the coal industry in state government affairs and public relations.  Illinois is the fourth largest coal producing state in the country.  The Illinois coal industry employs more than 3,000 people, a workforce that ranks highly in regard to training, skill levels and compensation.