Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – William (Bill) Holland, Illinois’ longest-serving auditor general, died Saturday at his home in Seattle at the age of 72. Holland moved to Seattle after being diagnosed with colon cancer.

Holland worked for the state for 41 years. He served as director of the Illinois House Majority Appropriations Committee staff and the first director of the Illinois General Assembly’s Washington D.C. office early in his career.  In 1983, he become chief of staff for the Illinois senate president. He held that position for nearly 10 years until being appointed Illinois auditor general in 1992, a position he would hold for 23 years. He retired from public service in 2015.

In 2022, Holland was inducted into the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers Hall of Fame.

The Holland family noted in his obituary that he was known for his sense of humor and was a skillful handyman, principled gin player, above-average golfer (at times), fervent Fighting Illini basketball fan, dedicated saloon enthusiast, and consummate good neighbor.

William (Bill) Holland Obituary