March 5, 2025

City Club event description:

For more than a decade, the Cook County Land Bank has transformed vacant properties into vibrant community assets. By clearing red tape and tapping into the talents and local knowledge of small developers, the Land Bank has rehabbed over 2,000 properties and generated $1.8 billion in economic impact – all while building a thriving private market in communities across the County. This panel of Chicagoans – leaders in the public and private sectors, will reflect on the home-grown solutions and successes to create economic growth and insure everyone in Chicago loves where they live.

City Club video

Panelists include: Walter Burnett Jr., 27th Ward Alderman, Vice Mayor, City of Chicago; Jessica Caffrey, Executive Director, Cook County Land Bank Authority; Luis Castro, Owner, L&MC Investments; Bridget Gainer, 10th District Cook County Commissioner, Founder & Board Chair of Cook County Land Bank Authority; and Jim Reynolds, Jr., Founder, Chairman & CEO of Loop Capital, Executive Committee Member of the Chicago Community Trust.

February 19, 2025

City Club event description:

Rugby is gaining momentum nationwide, and Chicago has been at the forefront of that growth, hosting some of the most pivotal and influential events in North American rugby history. In 2014, the All Blacks faced off against the USA Eagles in a sold-out match at Soldier Field, setting the stage for rugby’s explosive growth in the U.S. Two years later, history was made when Ireland secured a landmark victory over the All Blacks—their first in 111 years—right here in Chicago.

This program brings together players and executives from these storied national teams for a one-of-a-kind conversation on the sport’s growing presence in North America. Chicago has emerged as a key player in rugby’s expansion, and this panel will explore how the city is shaping the future of the game. Hear firsthand from Ireland captain Rory Best and All Blacks legend Dane Coles, who battled in that unforgettable 2016 match, along with industry leaders Padraig Power (IRFU) and Cameron Good (New Zealand Rugby). Moderated by Kara Bachman (Chicago Sports Commission), this discussion is a must for rugby fans and newcomers alike.

Speakers

Kara Bachman
Kara Bachman is the Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission (CSC), a part of Choose Chicago, the official destination marketing organization for the city of Chicago. As Executive Director, she’s responsible for leading Chicago’s efforts in recruiting high-profile, major sporting events that help create visitor demand, drive significant economic impact, create jobs and generate positive media exposure for Chicago.

Joining CSC in January 2012, Bachman was promoted to Executive Director in April 2014. Under her leadership, Chicago has won highly sought-after business with national and international appeal, such as: 2015 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final, the 2015 & 2016 NFL Draft, 2016 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, multiple Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournaments, multiple NCAA Championships, including the 2017 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, 2018 Laver Cup, 2020 NBA All Star, the first-ever NASCAR Chicago Street Race (2023), among others.

Bachman’s influential network extends globally and includes major professional leagues with the MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL and WNBA to some of the highest regarded international federations and national governing bodies, such as FIBA, FIVB, USA Basketball, USA Hockey, USA Rugby, USA Volleyball, World Rugby, etc. Bachman was responsible for bringing the NFL Draft to Chicago in 2015, for the first time in 51 years it was hosted outside of New York City; she’s also lured international brands like the New Zealand All Blacks to the Chicago market, driving record-breaking attendance and occupancy rates that benefit locals and visitors alike – including the 2016 test between NZRU and IRFU resulting in the Irish defeating New Zealand at Soldier Field for the first time in 111 years.

A native Chicagoan and life-long athlete, Bachman started her career in sports as part of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee. Bachman’s passion for her city and commitment to Chicago’s future is evidenced by her dedication to leadership and the praise of her peers. She was named to Crain’s 40 under 40 Class of 2016, where she was recognized as one of Chicago’s most influential leaders. In 2017, she was named to the Class of 2017 for Leaders Under 40 Awards, a global search for the best talent in the business of sport under the age of 40; and most recently, recognized by Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA) with the 2023 Ambassador of Hospitality Award. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame (since 2017). She’s a member of the City Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.

Bachman is a graduate of the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University of Chicago and holds her M.B.A. in International Business and Finance. She earned her B.A. in International Relations from Colgate University and was a member of Colgate’s Division I Women’s Ice Hockey team.

Rory Best
Rory Best OBE is a rugby union player from Northern Ireland and is currently the captain of the Ireland national team. He plays hooker for Ulster and is registered for Banbridge RFC. With over 100 caps for Ireland since making his international debut in 2005, Best is one of the most capped rugby players of all time. Best also toured with the British and Irish Lions side in 2013 and 2017, although he never played a test match for the Lions.

Best returned home to join Belfast Harlequins in 2002 where he captained the team and gained his first Ulster contract in 2004. He made his debut for Ulster as a replacement at home to Munster in the 2005 Celtic League. He replaced his brother (now retired Ireland and Ulster prop Simon) as Ulster captain for the 2007/08 season and continues to hold the position. He is renowned for his abilities as a scrummager. Best scored two tries in 2011/12 and 2010/11 for Ulster. He was part of the Ulster side that was defeated by Leinster in The Heineken Cup final in 2012.

Best made his international debut for Ireland as a replacement against the All Blacks at Lansdowne Road in November 2005 and made his first start against the Springboks in 2006. He has been involved with the national team ever since, initially sharing the number 2 shirt with Jerry Flannery. He was a member of the Irish teams that won the 2007 Triple Crown and was in the Irish squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup as well as the 2009 Six Nations Championship which completed the Grand Slam. He captained the Ireland team that toured North America in 2009, while many of his Ireland teammates were on the British and Irish Lions team that began their tour of South Africa at the same time. He became the first-choice hooker at the 2011 Rugby World Cup after an injury to Jerry Flannery. Best also played his 50th test for Ireland during the World Cup, scoring a try as Ireland beat the United States during the pool stages. He was chosen to captain Ireland again, during the 2012 Six Nations Championship, after Paul O’Connell was injured.

City Club video

Dane Coles
Dane Coles is a formidable hooker who is a true giant of the modern game. He’s spent his entire senior career with Wellington and the Hurricanes and has also made more than 70 appearances for the All Blacks.

Born 10 December 1986, Dane Coles signed for Wellington in 2007. Due to his impressive performances in the Mitre 10 Cup (now the Bunnings NPC), he was then also signed to play for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby in 2009. Ever since, he has firmly remained a one club man and he’s spent his entire domestic career representing the sides.

However, although he’s enjoyed a glittering domestic career in New Zealand, Dane Coles is undoubtedly best known for his career as an All Black. Since 2012, he’s made more than 70 appearances for the national side, and he’s captured a host of honours during this time.

In his All Blacks career, his greatest moment arguably came in 2015, when he helped the side capture the Rugby World Cup. However, although he’s captured almost every trophy available at international level, Dane Coles has also achieved a number of personal accolades. For example, in 2016, he was named as the Māori rugby player of the year and was nominated for New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year and World Rugby Player of the Year.

Cameron Good
Cameron Good manages commercial aspects for major rugby events like the World Cup and other large projects. His CA designation allows him to work in a job that aligns with his passion for sports.

Padraig Power
Padraig Power is the Chief Commercial Officer of the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Padraig joined the IRFU as Marketing Manager in 2000 and was promoted to Commercial & Marketing Director in 2008. During his tenure he has developed and manages, on behalf of the IRFU, one of the largest sponsorship portfolios in Irish Sport which includes partnerships with Vodafone, Canterbury, Guinness, Aviva and Aer Lingus.

In addition to all commercial and sponsorship contracts, his new remit will encompass responsibility for the management of the IRFU brand and the development of revenue streams from fresh sources in the digital arena including broadcast, gaming and licensing, ticketing and major event operations.

February 12, 2025

City Club event description:

Join us for a panel discussion that will explore the impact of President Trump’s executive orders on key areas including LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and environmental issues. Experts will analyze how these actions are affecting local residents, communities, and businesses, offering insights into the evolving legal, economic, and social implications. This panel will address the immediate and long-term effects of these policies.

Speakers

Brian C. Johnson
Brian C. Johnson has served as the CEO of Equality Illinois, the statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, since 2016.  In this role, he leads efforts to build a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment & full acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

As CEO, Brian oversees the three non-profit entities that make up the organization, each with its own board of directors: Equality Illinois Institute, the 501 (c)(3) arm that focuses on education of the public, media and policy makers on LGBT issues; Equality Illinois, the 501 (c)(4) entity that advocates for the adoption of particular policies aimed at making Illinois a more equal and accepting place for the LGBTQ community; and the Equality Illinois Political Action Committee (PAC), which endorses and supports political candidates on the state and local levels who will champion a more equitable future for Illinois.

Prior to his time at Equality Illinois, Brian spent nearly two decades as a leader in social justice.  His passion for fighting for equity was catalyzed by having served as a first-grade teacher, and Teach For America corps member, in Baton Rouge, LA.  Seeing first-hand how systemic injustice impacted the lives of passionate and capable children, Brian committed his career to fighting to make sure America lived up to its promise as a fair and equitable country.

Brian came to Equality Illinois from Leadership For Educational Equity (LEE), where he served as the Vice President of Regional Impact.  In this role, he helped lead the nationwide efforts to recruit nearly 300 teachers and former teachers to become candidates for public office while simultaneously launching community led organizing efforts in a dozen cities across the country including Chicago, New York, Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

Brian has served in a variety of leadership roles in non-profits throughout the country.  He served as the Executive Director of Teach For America in Los Angeles where he led the efforts to place and support nearly 800 effective teachers in public schools throughout Los Angeles.  He also headed up the Larchmont Schools, two racially and socio-economically diverse public schools in central Los Angeles.  Under his leadership, both schools were recognized as among the academically highest performing schools in the state of California.

Brian earned his AB, magna cum laude, from Princeton University, his JD from Stanford Law School, and his MBA, as an Arjay Miller Scholar, from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.  He is also Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow since 2020.  He lives with his husband Toby and their daughter Josephine in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago.

Jennifer Walling
Jen Walling has served as the Executive Director for the Illinois Environmental Council since January 2011, where she oversees the strategic direction and management of the organization and lobbies decision-makers on environmental issues. Jen is dedicated to building the power of Illinois’ environmental community to secure policy outcomes that protect the environment.

Over the last decade, Jen has worked to grow IEC staffing fivefold and increase the budget and number of member affiliates, all with a focus on serving and representing IEC’s affiliated organizations. With the board of directors, Jen worked to secure IEC’s partnership with the League of Conservation Voters in 2018, a national organization that has helped IEC network and build on a national level.

Jen has drafted, negotiated, lobbied, and passed hundreds of bills in Springfield while working to build the power, expertise, and relationships of the entire environmental community.

As a leader in climate policy, Jen has been at the frontline of lobbying and passing bills that will advance renewable energy and carbon emissions reduction, including the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021, and laws to simplify local siting of utility solar and wind projects in 2023.

Jen has been a statewide leader in composting policy since 2009 when she worked to pass the first commercial composting law in Illinois. She has fought to protect state parks and natural areas by increasing funding to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, increasing recreation liability protections, and funding stewardship through the Natural Areas Stewardship Act.

In 2022, Jen was recognized by Crain’s Chicago 40 under 40. She is also a two-time winner of the Capitol Fax Golden Horseshoe, once in 2023 for best in-house lobbyist and again in 2014 for best do-gooder lobbyist. She is also an Edgar Fellow (2018), New Leaders’ Council Fellow (2011), and Truman National Security Project (2012).

Jen holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also received a juris doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law and is an attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois.

City Club video

Sylvia I. Garcia
Sylvia I. Garcia serves as Chief Operating Officer for The Chicago Community Trust, the region’s community foundation, which is committed to building a Chicago region where equity is central, and opportunity and prosperity are in reach for all. Sylvia brings to this role two decades of experience at the local, state, and national levels working to increase access to economic opportunity in a diverse range of industries, including housing, transportation, education, and workforce development.

Before joining the Trust, Sylvia served as the Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), where she led the state’s economic development arm investing in people, communities, and businesses to expand inclusive economic growth across Illinois. Prior to DCEO, Sylvia led WSP USA’s national planning strategy and grants consulting team working with clients to identify and secure resources for important projects across the country. She also previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), managing the day-to-day operations of the country’s second-largest transit agency.

Before joining CTA, Sylvia spent nearly a decade working in Washington, DC. During her tenure, she worked her way up from serving as a budget analyst at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to being nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Sylvia also worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations.

Sylvia has a bachelor’s degree in social science with a minor in Spanish from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in public service management and public policy from DePaul University.

Mary Meg McCarthy
Mary Meg McCarthy is the Executive Director of the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), one of the nation’s preeminent immigrant and human rights advocacy organizations. Under Ms. McCarthy’s leadership, NIJC has developed a unique approach: integrating advocacy, impact litigation, legal counsel and public education, to make NIJC an effective advocate for immigrants and a resource for lawyers, legislators and community leaders.

Over the course of her 25-year career, Ms. McCarthy has grown NIJC from a $1M to a $16.4M organization with more than 160 professionals and a network of 2,200 pro bono attorneys, who are essential to providing legal counsel to approximately 10,000 low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers each year.

A nationally and internationally recognized immigration law expert, Ms. McCarthy has testified before Congress and at the United Nations, and is frequently quoted in major news outlets, including MSNBC, The New York Times, and the Chicago Tribune. An active member of the American Bar Association, Ms. McCarthy chaired its Commission on Immigration. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Chicago Bar Association.

Ms. McCarthy has presented at the Strategic Litigation for Change Conference in Belfast and in 2017 delivered the commencement address at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. She served as a trustee for the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL. Earlier in her career, Ms. McCarthy worked in Chile as a Holy Cross Associate to help safeguard human rights under the Pinochet dictatorship. She received her bachelor of business administration in finance from the University of Notre Dame and her doctor of law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Her honors have included the Justice John Paul Stevens Award from the Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Inn of Court 2015 Don Hubert Public Service Award, the American Constitution Society Chicago Lawyer Chapter Ruth Goldman Award, the Elmer Gertz Award for Human Rights from the Illinois State Bar Association, the Pax Christi 2013 Teacher of Peace Award, and the Damen Award from Loyola University Chicago and the Dr. Thomas J. Dooley Award from the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association. In June 2018, she received an honorary degree in law from Knox College (Galesburg, IL).

January 30, 2025

Timothy Killeen – President of the University of Illinois System

City Club event description:

Join University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen as he shares the University’s 2025 priorities, laying the groundwork for its role as host of the global Sustainable Research Innovation (SRI) Congress in June. President Killeen will discuss key initiatives that align with the University’s commitment to addressing critical challenges through cutting-edge research, academic excellence, and community engagement.

Speaker
Timothy Killeen
Timothy L. Killeen is the 20th president of the University of Illinois System, which includes universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield. He took office in May 2015 and received a new contract in 2024 that extends his term through June 2027.

Since taking office, Killeen has helped lead a surge of growth across the state’s flagship university system. Enrollment is at record highs, including increases among in-state and underrepresented students. Student costs have been held in check by affordability initiatives that include a number of yearly tuition freezes for new students from Illinois and substantial increases in institutional financial aid.

City Club video

A leading researcher in geophysics and space sciences, Killeen champions efforts to expand research discovery that drives progress and job creation. That includes helping lead the creation of two pioneering initiatives – the Discovery Partners Institute, a world-class research, technology talent development, and business-building center in downtown Chicago, and the Illinois Innovation Network, a system of satellite hubs that combine research, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship, and workforce training to spur inclusive economic development.

Previously, Killeen served as vice chancellor for research and president of the Research Foundation at the State University of New York. He also served as assistant director for geosciences at the National Science Foundation, as the Lyall Research Professor at the University of Colorado, and as director and senior scientist for the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Additionally, Killeen spent more than 20 years as a faculty member and researcher at the University of Michigan, where he also served as associate vice president for research.

He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2007 and is a member and past president of the American Geophysical Union. A native of Wales and a U.S. citizen, Killeen received his bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy at University College London, where he also earned his doctoral degree in atomic and molecular physics.

January 15, 2025

Kirk Dillard – Chairman – Regional Transportation Authority

City Club event description:

Join Kirk Dillard, Chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), as he shares the agency’s vision for a fully funded, seamless, and accountable transit system that serves all riders with more frequent and reliable service. As the Illinois General Assembly prepares for a busy session, including debates on addressing transit’s looming “fiscal cliff,” Dillard, a former State Senator, will discuss strategies to achieve the system our region deserves—and the consequences of inaction. Don’t miss this important conversation about the path forward for Chicago’s transit system.

Speaker
Kirk Dillard
Kirk Dillard has served as the chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors since June 2014. Chairman Dillard is a lifelong resident of the region and has been a rider of public transportation for more than 50 years, riding CTA buses and trains since early childhood, and now is a regular rider of Metra. Chairman Dillard most recently oversaw the development and adoption of Transit is the Answer, the regional transit strategic plan that puts forward an Action and Advocacy Agenda that offers improvements to the system and options to ensure sustainable funding. Dillard also played an important role in regional advocacy efforts that culminated with the 2019 passage of Rebuild Illinois, the largest capital bill in Illinois history.

City Club video

Dillard served as a Republican senator from Chicago’s western suburbs in the Illinois State Senate for nearly 20 years. Prior to serving as senator, he served with distinction as Chief of Staff to former Governor Jim Edgar and as Legislative Director to former Governor James Thompson. He is a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke law firm.

January 14, 2025

City Club event description:

Join the members of “Team Culture,” a group of civic, business, and community leaders, as they present a plan to reimagine Chicago by harnessing the power of arts and culture. This plan envisions and redefines the urban landscape to create a downtown that is vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive for all.

City Club video

Team culture panel participants:

Lou Raizin – Broadway in Chicago President and CEO

Chris Jones – Chicago Tribune editorial page editor and chief theatre critic

Michelle Boone – Poetry Foundation President and CEO; former Chicago Commissioner of Cultural Affairs

Greg Cameron – Joffrey Ballet President and CEO

Joe Ferguson – Civic Federation President

Juan Gabriel Moreno – JGMA Architects President & Founder

December 11, 2024

Panelists: Senyo Ador (Eco Solutions Enterprise), Dr. Anne Evens (Elevate), Michelle Carr (Evergreen Climate Innovations) and Brenda Palms (North Lawndale Employment Network). Moderated by Andrew (Andy) Beideman (Pritzker Traubert Foundation)

City Club event description:

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on advancing the green economy. The long-term work to advance the green economy began well before the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and will continue through efforts like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The transition to a sustainable future creates opportunities for workers, homeowners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike. Regardless of future developments, the IRA has generated momentum that, through collaboration, can drive lasting progress.

Speakers

Senyo Ador
Senyo Ador is an energy sector professional with experience in the United States and Global markets. In his 17 years in the industry, he has worked closely with reputable international development firms in promoting rural electricity access and clean energy projects in Sub Saharan Africa.

Leveraging his background in distributed energy solution design, development, and integration Senyo brings fresh perspectives to back to his native Illinois in the form of his company Sesenergi Eco Solutions Enterprise LLC based in North Lawndale on Chicago’s west side. Sesenergi supports projects and workforce development in a suite of end to end energy efficiency, solar energy, solar street lighting, agrivoltaics and hybrid system solutions for the residential, commercial-industrial and government markets.

Michelle Carr
Michelle Carr is the Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Climate Innovations which finds, funds and grows early-stage climate technology companies in the Greater Midwest, contributing to local economic development and job creation. Evergreen pioneered the 501vc® Investment Fund model to align philanthropic and corporate contributions to deliver environmental, economic and social impact in tackling the climate crises.

Prior to leading Evergreen, Michelle was the Illinois Director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a global science-based conservation organization with operations in all 50 states and 70 countries. While at TNC, Carr bridged the gap between conservation and economic decisions to influence solutions at a regional and global scale. Prior to TNC, Michelle was an advisor at Goldman Sachs for 16 years where her clients included entrepreneurs, chief executive officers, families, foundations and endowments.

Carr graduated from St. Louis University with a B.A. in history and economics and holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University. From 2008 through 2012, she was a member of President Obama’s National Finance Committee and she currently serves on the boards of Northwestern University’s Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy and the Cook County Land Bank. Carr is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and lives in Chicago with her husband and three children.

City Club video

Anne Evens
Anne Evens, M.Sc., Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Officer of Elevate, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago. Elevate works to promote equitable access to clean, healthy, safe, and affordable heat, power, and water for people in their homes and communities — no matter who they are, or where they live. Elevate designs and implements housing upgrade programs that reduce costs, protect people from the health effects of climate change, and ensure that the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who are most in need. In doing this work, we create revenue for diverse small businesses and jobs for people in their communities.

Brenda Palms
Brenda Palms, President and CEO of the North Lawndale Employment Network, an urban workforce development agency, and founding social entrepreneur and CEO of Sweet Beginnings, LLC, a social enterprise using urban beekeeping to create jobs for those with significant barriers to employment, has served as President and CEO of NLEN since its founding in 1999. She launched NLEN’s wholly owned subsidiary social enterprise, Sweet Beginnings, in 2004 to ensure justice-impacted job seekers could secure upskill and secure good jobs and a pathway to long-term sustainability. Under Brenda’s leadership, NLEN has grown from two to 59 employees and generates an annual budget in excess of $7.2 million.

Today, NLEN serves more than 1,200 people per year. Sweet Beginnings has expanded from a cottage industry to distribution at more than 43 Mariano stores, both O’Hare and Midway airports, and has been awarded and retired one of the first Benefit Chicago social impact investment loans. NLEN has received numerous awards, including one of the first MacArthur Foundation Awards for Creative and Effective Institutions (2006) and the prestigious Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award (2015), the 2023 and 2018 Citi Foundation Community Progress Makers, 2019 Google Impact Challenge award, and the 2021 American Banker Association Equity Leadership Award in partnership with Wintrust Bank. Brenda has raised the national profile of NLEN, Sweet Beginnings, and the plight of people with barriers to employment through extensive media coverage, including CNN, the NBC Today Show, CBS Evening News, American Express, a TEDWomen Documentary, and Lifetime. Brenda has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Chronicle in Philanthropy, and in JPMC’s stakeholders Letter by Jaime Dimon in 2018, appeared on ABC7 Windy City Live as a 4-Star Chicagoan.

In recognition of her innovation and commitment to helping those in need, Congressman Danny Davis awarded Brenda the Cardiss Collins Trailblazer Award (2013). Brenda is a graduate of Harvard’s Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management program and the Chicago Urban League’s Next One entrepreneurship program, which included classes at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from the Spertus Institute in Chicago.

Andrew Beideman
Andy is Chief Strategy Officer for the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, where he leads the Foundation’s workforce strategy and supports a wide range of investments focused on building economic opportunity in Chicago. Andy joined the Foundation as a Program Officer in 2018 and led design and launch of the Chicago Prize, a $45 million commitment to support impactful community-led development activities on the city’s south and west sides. Prior to joining the Foundation, Andy was a Manager at RW Ventures LLC, a Chicago-based firm focused on innovative inclusive growth projects. Before coming to Chicago, Andy worked on large federal research grantmaking programs with Booz Allen Hamilton and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC. Andy co-chairs the Board of Directors for One Million Degrees, a non-profit supporting community college students on their paths to degrees and careers. He received his BA from American University and MPP from the College of William & Mary. He was accepted as a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow in 2021. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Andy lives in Chicago with his wife and two children.

December 3, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson – City of Chicago

City Club event description:

Mayor Brandon Johnson
Brandon Johnson was sworn in as the 57th Mayor of the City of Chicago on May 15, 2023. Mayor Johnson began his career as a public school teacher, first at Jenner Academy in Cabrini-Green and then at Westinghouse College Prep on the West Side, where he experienced firsthand how school closures, unemployment and gun violence impacted his students and their communities. He then went on to become an organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union, where he led multi-racial coalitions to defend neighborhood schools from privatization, reduce high-stakes standardized testing and expand access to state funding. Mayor Johnson was elected Cook County Commissioner of the 1st District in 2018. During his five years on the Cook County Board, he led efforts to pass the Just Housing Ordinance which prohibited housing discrimination against formerly incarcerated people, legislation to secure legal representation for immigrants facing deportation, and coordinated COVID-19 resources for low-income seniors in nursing homes.

City Club video

In 2018, Mayor Johnson was elected Commissioner of the 1st District of Cook County. Here he led the effort to pass the Just Housing Ordinance, which prohibited housing discrimination against formerly incarcerated people. As commissioner, he also collaborated with colleagues to eliminate the gang database, secure legal representation for immigrants facing deportation and advance recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In the wake of civil uprisings in the summer of 2020, he organized the Cook County Board to commit to the “Budget for Black Lives,” bringing new investments in health care, public transportation, internet access, and affordable housing. Mayor Johnson and his wife Stacie live in the Austin community, where they are raising their children Owen, Ethan and Braedyn.

November 18, 2024

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton – State of Illinois

City Club event description:

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton proudly represents all 13 million Illinois residents with compassion and empathy. She actively brings people together and takes a community-centered approach to solving problems. She firmly believes that the solutions to Illinois’ most pressing challenges can be found by tapping into the wisdom that already exists in our communities.

City Club video

The Lieutenant Governor is a highly qualified, experienced advocate for women’s rights, civil rights, and restorative justice. Her career is dedicated to making Illinois the best state to call home, especially for those who have been historically left out or behind. With any initiative or policy proposal, her focus is on uplifting every resident and ensuring they have the resources to thrive.

Lieutenant Governor Stratton’s joyful approach to leadership has made her a recognizable voice across the state. Above all, she is committed to making Illinois a safe, vibrant, and empowering place for many generations to come.

November 7, 2024

Election ’24 Results: The Known and Unknown – Dive into the preliminary election outcomes and what they mean for Chicago and the region – Featuring: Anne Caprara, Greg Hart, Christian Perry, and Paris Schutz

City Club event description:

Featuring Anne Caprara, Chief of Staff to Governor J.B. Pritzker, Greg Hart, Former DuPage County Board Member, Christian Perry, Political Director to Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Paris Schutz, Political Correspondent for Fox Chicago, this dynamic conversation will explore the path forward, focusing on how innovative partnerships and collaborations can continue to strengthen our communities.

Speakers

Anne Caprara
Anne Caprara is the Chief of Staff to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Anne Caprara has managed and consulted with candidates and elected officials at every level of state and federal government. Caprara was also the campaign manager for Pritzker’s successful gubernatorial campaign in 2018 where he defeated the Republican incumbent by almost 16 points. Before that, Caprara served as the Executive Director for Priorities USA Action, the main SuperPAC supporting Hillary Clinton for President in 2016.

In 2014, she was political director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, helping to oversee Senate races in 33 states. In 2011 and 2012, Caprara served as the DSCC’s Deputy Political Director, covering all Senate races east of Wisconsin. In 2008, she was the campaign manager for Betsy Markey, a first-time candidate running against a 3-term Republican Congresswoman in Colorado’s 4th congressional district. Markey won by the race by 12 points and over 41,000 votes in a district where Republicans outnumber Democrats by 45,000 voters. Caprara subsequently served as Markey’s Chief of Staff from 2008 until 2010. She has also worked as Chief of Staff for Ohio Congresswoman Betty Sutton and as the Deputy Research Director at EMILY’s List.

Caprara obtained her Master’s degree from George Washington University and her undergraduate degree from American University.

Greg Hart
Greg Hart is a management consultant and former DuPage County Board Member who represented nearly 1 million residents in the western suburbs of Chicago from 2017-2023.

Greg was appointed to the DuPage County Board in 2017 by Chairman Dan Cronin and was subsequently elected to a full, four-year term in 2018 at the age of 30 – becoming the first millennial of his party to serve on the board of Illinois’ second largest county.

During his time on the County Board, Greg led DuPage’s response to the opioid epidemic as Co-Chair of the Heroin-Opioid Prevention & Education (HOPE) Taskforce. His leadership of the HOPE Taskforce won DuPage County two national achievement awards from the National Association of Counties for innovation. During the final year of Greg’s tenure as Co-Chair, opioid overdoses in DuPage decreased by 9%, outperforming state and national averages. As a result, he is widely credited with helping establish DuPage as a national leader in fighting substance use disorder.

Greg also served as Chairman of DuPage County’s Technology and Human Services Committees, where he respectively led the largest investment in IT infrastructure in the last quarter century and saved taxpayers one million dollars annually by implementing operational efficiency practices. Greg also spearheaded a “first of its kind” initiative to for new business enterprise programs for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned firms in DuPage County. Greg was consistently regarded as the most bipartisan member of the DuPage County Board.

Outside of politics, Greg serves as a Senior Managing Consultant and Owner at Point B, Inc., where he advises Fortune 100 clients on how to implement organizational change during mergers, acquisitions, and enterprise-wide technology transformations. Prior to joining Point B in 2018, he served in management roles at Deloitte Consulting and Booz Allen Hamilton.

Greg graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Greg is philanthropically active in Chicagoland, serving on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts of America Three Fires Council, Path to Recovery Foundation, and the Selection Committee for the Edgar Fellows Program at the University of Illinois. He lives in Hinsdale with his wife Alexandra and his three young children Madeleine, George, and Catherine.

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Christian Perry
Christian Perry is the Political Director for Mayor Brandon Johnson. Christian is a Political Scientist, Community Organizer and Civic Innovator from the Southside of Chicago. Christian is a proud Navy Veteran, Board of Trustee Member at Trinity Christian College, and serves on the Board of Directors for the South Suburban Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. He is the Co-Founder of Black Millennial Renaissance, a network of Black Millennials and their allies fighting to end systemic racism. In the summer of 2020 BMR executed The Right To Breathe March & Rally leading over 500 people in Palos Heights as they honored the lives of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, they called for justice, equity and active Allyship. Christian is an MPA candidate at Northern Illinois University, he was the inaugural Director of Community Development for the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and served as Deputy Political Director for Governor JB Pritzker’s re-election campaign.

Paris Schutz
Paris Schutz is Political Correspondent for Fox Chicago.

Schutz comes to Fox after 19 years at WTTW Chicago, most recently as investigative reporter and anchor of the nightly “Chicago Tonight” program and moderator of “The Week in Review.”

Before that, he was the station’s chief political correspondent, covering multiple political conventions, elections, and corruption investigations.

Schutz has earned two Midwest Emmy’s and 8 Peter Lisagor Awards, three of them for “Best TV reporter,” and one for a documentary he produced and reported about the candidacy of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Schutz is a native of River Forest, Ill., a graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep, and a keyboardist and singer-songwriter in his spare time.