[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E367-E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE WORK OF JOHN PELLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2026

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate John 
Peller's 12 years of service as CEO of the AIDS Foundation Chicago 
(AFC). As he transitions to the next step in his career, we look back 
at a career of committed service to AFC.
  After receiving a Master of Public Policy from the University of 
Chicago, Mr. Peller joined AFC in 2005 and served at state and national 
levels as vice-president of policy, before becoming CEO in 2014. He led 
advocacy efforts, campaigning for those with HIV to be supported 
through federal and state healthcare systems. Additionally, Mr. Peller 
led the Getting to Zero Illinois initiative, a plan to end the 
statewide HIV epidemic by 2030.
  Mr. Peller has strived to amplify AFC's impact, expanding the scope 
of their services to include underrepresented factors that can prevent 
access to HIV treatment, including housing instability, racial 
inequalities, insurance, and dental care. He has overseen a truly 
transformational period for AFC and LGBT rights in Chicago. Over the 
course of his leadership, AFC's budget increased by 68 percent and 
staff increased by over 50 percent. AFC is now able to reach and serve 
over 9000 people annually. Mr. Peller has also helped advance federal 
reforms, including the Affordable Care Act.
  As a result of his longstanding and dedicated service, Mr. Peller was 
inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2024 and will leave a 
legacy of unwavering service. He has greatly improved the quality of 
life and safety of healthcare across the country and especially in 
Chicago. His work will have a lasting impact on every community he has 
served over his career.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in congratulating John Peller 
on his two decades of service and his commitment to ending the HIV 
epidemic.

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