Abolition Institute Co-Founder Leads

An experienced campaign leader for both elections and advocacy initiatives, Sean Tenner has served as president of Chicago’s KNI Communications since 2008. A seasoned leader in the nonprofit sector, Sean Tenner is also the co-founder of the Abolition Institute.

The Abolition Institute is dedicated to fighting slavery in Mauritania, West Africa. Slavery has only been officially illegal in the country since 2007, and the practice remains prevalent there today.

Mr. Tenner’s passion for ending slavery in Mauritania took him to the country in 2021. He met with government officials to address the issue directly. Joining him on the trip were Chicago-area government leaders Rory Hoskins (mayor of Forest Park) and Anthony Simpkins (official with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development). The Mauritania group also included human rights advocates such as attorney Michael Kurtz, educators such as University of Chicago associate provost Aisha El-Amin, and artists such as music producer Jon Jon Traxx.

Six Candidates Considered for Illinois

Chicago resident Sean Tenner draws on more than two decades of experience supporting political campaigns and causes. He has served as the president of KNI communications, a Chicago-based consulting firm that assists nonprofit organizations, foundations, and electoral and issue advocacy campaigns, since 2008. In this capacity, Sean Tenner has been extensively involved in public affairs and issue advocacy across Chicago and in other areas of the United States.

In January 2021, the Illinois Senate's 7th District seat suddenly became vacant as the former State Senator, Heather Steans, announced her retirement. Prior to retirement, Senator Steans was re-elected to the seat in November. She had served as a democratic member for 12 years.

According to Illinois law, the District's Democratic Committeepeople - including Tenner who serves as 46th Ward Democratic Committeeperson - are charged with making an appointment to the open office for the remainder of the term. Six residents of the district - all Democrats - applied for appointment to the seat; State Representative Kelly Cassidy, Joseph Struck, Michael Simmons, Joseph Alfe, Angela Giles, and Justin Koziatek. The group of Committeepeople hosted numerous community forums, meetings and interviews and eventually selected Michael Simmons as the District's new State Senator.