Long-time Lake Forest resident Corinne J. Wood was born in Barrington, Illinois in 1954. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Illinois and Loyola University School of Law. As an attorney, Wood served in the Illinois House representing the 59th district, which includes parts of Lake and Cook counties, from 1997 to 1999.

Corinne Wood made Illinois history when she was elected in 1999 as the first female Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and became the second highest-ranking state official.

Ms. Wood has been a local leader and community activist with a reputation as a strong advocate for women, children, and seniors. As Lieutenant Governor, she was a frequent speaker across Illinois on a number of issues, including rural affairs, economic development, and women's health.

In 2002, she made an unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination for Governor of Illinois to succeed the retiring and scandal-ridden Governor George Ryan.