Bryan K. Echols

BRYAN ECHOLS is a husband, father, mentor, justice advocate and the Second Gentleman of Illinois. He serves as Senior Advisor and Deputy Director of Impact Investments for Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs. With decades of experience in financial services, not-for-profit management and academia, Bryan has brought a racial equity lens to advance equity in banking and financial services industries with a specific aim of increasing investment and spurring economic development in low to moderate income communities across the state.  

Governor JB Pritzker appointed Bryan to the Agriculture Equity Commission and in this role, he works to ensure equity in the State’s top job producing industry while also addressing food insecurity and working to repair the historic harm done to Black farmers and growers. He is a 2021 Edgar Fellow, and in 2023 completed the prestigious Henry Toll Fellowship through the Council of State Governments. 

Bryan is a “Girl Dad” through and through. Together, Bryan and his wife Juliana have four daughters: Tyler, Cassidy, Ryan and Mackenzie—and each one keeps him laughing and filled with joy. Through ups and downs he’s an avid Bears fan and loves live music and a good cigar—preferably together.