Latest News from The Chicago Network

December 8, 2017

TCN Members in the News

MELLODY HOBSON INTERVIEWS BARACK OBAMA BEFORE ECONOMIC CLUB OF CHICAGO

Ariel Investments President Mellody Hobson interviewed Barack Obama at the Economic Club of Chicago ( Donna F. Zarcone) dinner on Tuesday, December 6th. Mellody, Chair of the Economic Club, noted that a record 2,800 people attended, filling two ballrooms at the Chicago Hilton. Read more...

NEWLY CROWNED IRON CHEF STEPHANIE IZARD

For the first time since 2012, a new Iron Chef has joined the Chairman's esteemed ranks. Stephanie Izard , a chef and restaurateur based in Chicago, defeated not only six challengers to earn the right to run the gauntlet, but also a trio of Iron Chefs - Bobby Flay, Michael Symon and Masaharu Morimoto - following a series of three epic battles on Iron Chef Gauntlet . Food Network caught up with her moments after her momentous victory and discussed her highlights from the last couple weeks. Read more...

TCN MEMBERS TO BE FEATURED IN MURAL ON CULTURAL CENTER FAÇADE

Suzanne Ghez, Adjunct Curator, Art Institute of Chicago, Jackie Taylor, Executive Director & CEO, Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, and Barbara Gaines, Artistic Director, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, are featured in the new Kerry James Marshall mural, honoring 20 prominent women, on the Chicago Cultural Center's Garland Court entrance.

Barbara Gaines was stunned to learn of her own inclusion in the work. "I look at Gwendolyn's poetry, and I look at Jackie Taylor and all these other women who are brilliant artists and leaders in their own right, and being in their company is just impossible for me to process," said Barbara Gaines.

Jackie Taylor was also unaware of her inclusion in the artwork, until she read about it in a newspaper. "To be part of this group for all time, I'm just ecstatic that it's a women's tribute. I think it's so vitally important and speaks to how society must change in terms of honoring women," said Jackie Taylor. "I hope young girls 20 years from now will know it's their choice to be whatever they want to be. There are no limitations." Read more...

ANNA RAPPAPORT ON BECOMING A FINANCIAL CAREGIVER

Anna Rappaport , President, Anna Rappaport Consulting, was quoted in a USA Today article that provided tips on becoming a financial caregiver. "It is not uncommon for one or two-family members to bear most of the burden," said Anna Rappaport. "The caregiver needs to be able to ask for help, and push for the burden to be distributed if it is not. It is important to the caregiver to find suitable ways to get breaks and to take care of yourself. It is easy for caregiving to overwhelm the caregiver." Read more...

SUZET MCKINNEY QUOTED IN CNN ARTICLE

Suzet McKinney , CEO and Executive Director, Illinois Medical District, was quoted in a CNN article on how to cope with fears of nuclear disaster. "All it takes is to turn on television or talk radio to be bombarded with what feels like a constant diatribe, not between the two nations, but at each other. People are very concerned, and I worry some of our most vulnerable may begin to have difficulty in coping with that level of fear," said Suzet McKinney. Read more...

DIANE SWONK FEATURED IN THE SEATTLE TIMES

In a Q&A conversation with The Seattle Times, Diane Swonk , Founder & CEO, DS Economics, discussed her thoughts on the economic outlook of the United States in 2018. Read more...

KYM HUBBARD ON HER GAME-CHANGING CAREER LESSONS

Kym Hubbard, Former Treasurer & CIO, Ernst + Young LLP, discussed her game-changing career lessons on "The Jam" on The U. "You have to turn your weaknesses into strengths," said Kym Hubbard. Read more...

MARIA GREEN AMONG BLACK ENTERPRISE'S MOST POWERFUL EXECUTIVES IN CORPORATE AMERICA

Maria Green, SVP & General Counsel, Ingersoll Rand, was featured on

BLACK ENTERPRISE's "Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America" list. The publication's editorial team conducted six months of intensive research to identify dynamic, high-level professionals who are leading and re-engineering a vast array of businesses. Read more...

CEREMONY FOR ADULT EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MARKS MILESTONE FOR UCHICAGO MEDICINE

The University of Chicago Medicine celebrated the completion of what will be the city's newest and most advanced adult emergency department when the $39 million facility opens to patients in late December.

"Our commitment to patient care and the community is embodied in this new emergency department. To this point, our frontline staff spent about 300 hours on a design that not only improves medical care but also the patient experience," said Sharon O'Keefe, president of the University of Chicago Medical Center, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Now that the ED project is complete, we wanted to celebrate with our friends, colleagues, public officials and the community, and give thanks to those who've helped or supported us on this journey." Read more...

MARYAM BANIKARIM ON ANDAZ BRAND COLLABORATION WITH (RED)

Maryam Banikarim, EVP & CMO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, was quoted in an article about (ANDAZ) RED Cabanas, the newest experiences offered as part of Hyatt's World of Hyatt platform. The Andaz brand is expanding its (RED) collaboration by creating new (ANDAZ)RED Cabanas that are available to book at five Andaz hotel locations. A portion of each booking will go directly to support (RED)'s fight to end AIDS.

"We know traveling with Andaz hotels and resorts opens guests' eyes to things they would never see otherwise, and the collaboration with (RED) enables guests to help change the world while building greater understanding," said Maryam Banikarim. Read more...

ONE MILLION POUND FOOD DONATION AIMS TO HELP LOCAL FOOD BANKS

The one-million-pound donation from Mariano's will help stock the shelves at the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

"It provides something that is every bit as important and that's hope. This gift reminds all of our neighbors that we are in this together and we are committed to making sure that this is a community where everyone has the food they need to thrive," said Kate Maehr, CEO, Greater Chicago Food Depository. Read more...

GINGER EVANS ON SPIRIT AIRLINES NEW ROUTE EXPANSION AT O'HARE

Ginger Evans, Commissioner City of Chicago Department of Aviation, was quoted in an article about Spirit Airlines, which continues to spread its wings in Chicago as part of an aggressive five-year growth plan. "Spirit Airlines' new service to Seattle-Tacoma continues to enhance competition and expands options for O'Hare travelers. Spirit's continued growth at O'Hare aligns with our goals to grow air service offerings, economic impact and job creation at Chicago's airport," said Ginger Evans. Read more...

ADVOCATE HEALTH ANNOUNCES CROSS BORDER MERGER WITH AURORA

Advocate Health Care unveiled plans to merge with Aurora Health Care in a deal that would create the 10th largest not-for-profit system in the country. The Advocate-Aurora deal would form a cross-state marriage of comparably sized organizations to include more than 3,300 employed physicians, 500 outpatient locations, 70,000 employees and 2.7 million unique patients. The merger would allow the combined organization to cut costs by bundling purchases and expand patient access and improve quality through boosting investment in technology like telehealth. The transaction should close early next year. Gail D. Hasbrouck serves on the board of directors of Advocate. Read more...

JAPANESE DIVERSIFIED CHEMICALS COMPANY AND LANZATECH MAKE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS

SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO. and LanzaTech ( Jennifer Holmgren ) have made significant progress on a waste to chemicals platform converting municipal solid waste (MSW) to new products. "We must focus on using carbon for products not power, giving carbon a second chance of life. Imagine being able to look at your trash can and know that you can lock all that waste carbon into a circular system, avoiding CO2 emissions and maximising our precious carbon resources. That is a carbon smart future," said Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. Read more...

JULIE SMOLYANSKY UPDATES

Lifeway Foods CEO Julie Smolyansky participated in an interview with Marketplace and shared her thoughts on the HarveyWeinstein case, gender inequality in the workforce and more. Read more...

In October, Julie spoke at the Fast Company Innovation Festival, where she discussed how to identify new opportunities and leverage your established ethos to build new product lines-and how to educate consumers to embrace them. Read more...

Julie was also featured in a recent Fast Company article where she talked about trusting your gut. Read more...

Women on Boards

MELLODY HOBSON APPOINTED TO THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mellody Hobson, President Ariel Investments, LLC, will be appointed to The Rockefeller Foundation Board of Trustees in 2018. For more than 100 years, The Rockefeller Foundation's mission has been to promote the well-being of humanity throughout the world.

"I have long admired The Rockefeller Foundation's efforts to maximize impact through strategic investments, providing both direct and peripheral benefits to communities around the world. I am proud to join an organization that is at the forefront of innovation in philanthropy and business, and am eager to continue advancing its mission," said Mellody Hobson. Read more...

VALERIE JARRETT JOINS BOARD OF TECH COMPANY 2U

Valerie Jarrett, former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, is the newest director of 2U, a technology partner helping top universities-including Harvard, Yale, and Georgetown-bring their master's degree programs online. Valerie's appointment makes her the third woman and fourth person of color to join the company's board. Read more...

BOARD OPPORTUNITY

The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights at the University of Chicago seeks two new Board members. The Young Center is a national organization headquartered at the University of Chicago Law School. Our Board is comprised of a dedicated group of people who are active in the governance of the organization. We are looking for candidates who share our passion for advocating for immigrant children who come to the U.S. on their own. We have a specific need for a Board member with Human Resources experience. For more information, click here!

New Roles

KELLY GRIER APPOINTED EY US CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING PARTNER-ELECT AND EY AMERICAS MANAGING PARTNER-ELECT

EY announced the appointment of Kelly Grier to the posts of EY US Chairman and Managing Partner-Elect and EY Americas Area Managing Partner-Elect, with her term commencing July 1, 2018. In her new role, Kelly will lead the EY US firm and the EY Americas geographic area, which represents more than US$14.5b in combined revenues and more than 71,500 people in member firms in 31 countries. She will also join the EY Global Executive committee. Read more...

THERESA MINTLE NAMED VICE CHANCELLOR FOR PUBLIC AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS OF UIC

The University of Illinois at Chicago has hired a woman with strong City Hall and business ties to be its liaison with the outside world. Coming in as the new vice chancellor for public and government affairs is Theresa Mintle, a former chief of staff to Mayor Rahm Emanuel who stepped down as CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce in midsummer after four years. Read more...

Awards

PATRICIA BROWN HOLMES AND ANNE PRAMAGGIORE HONORED AT CHICAGO DEFENDERS NEWSMAKERS AWARDS

Patricia Brown Holmes, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP Partner, and Anne Pramaggiore , President & CEO, ComED, were honored at the annual Chicago Defender's Newsmakers Awards GALA on Saturday, December 2. Patricia was recognized for her achievements in the legal industry and Anne was recognized for her environmental responsibility achievements. Read more...

WGN-TV & OAK BROOK PRODUCTIONS BRING HOME 11 EMMY® AWARDS

At the 2017 Chicago/Midwest Emmy® Awards, WGN-TV ( Jennifer Lyons) and Oak Brook Productions won 11 Emmy® Awards. Jennifer Lyons, Director of News and Content, WGN-TV, was recognized for her contributions in two of the productions: Pride over Prejudice and The Decay Devils. Read more...

JULIE SMOLYANSKY RECEIVES "SHE TANK" COMPETITION TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Julie Smolyansky, Youngest Female CEO of a US Public Company & Founder of Test400k,

received the "She Tank" Competition Trailblazer Award at the Meet Live Love Thrive Women's Conference. Read more...

Announcements

CHICAGO UNITED ANNUAL BRIDGE AWARDS

Chicago United's President & CEO Gloria Castillo addressed a room of 950 business leaders at the annual Bridge Awards Dinner. The annual Bridge Awards Dinner is Chicago United's premier event that celebrates leaders who drive inclusion to change today and lead tomorrow. As part of the celebration, Chicago United introduced the 2017 Business Leaders of Color -- 50 remarkable business professionals who drive transformational change and make an impact in the business community. Read more...

MARIA WYNNE AT CRAIN'S ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

Maria Wynne, CEO, Leadership Greater Chicago, was one of three panelists at a Crain's roundtable discussion on Business Organizations. Maria spoke about Leadership Greater Chicago, the benefits of being a fellow, the types of activities offered and more. Read more...

BRENDA WOLF IN HIMSS' STEPS TO VALUE

Brenda Wolf, President and CEO, La Rabida Children's Hospital, recently participated in HIMSS' STEPS to Value, a podcast that explores the intersection of people, processes and technology in healthcare. In the podcast, Brenda focused on how the hospital has become a 'medical hub' to ensure that children and their families receive all of the physical, emotional and educational support they need, not just during a doctor's visit, but throughout their young lives. T he podcast can be heard here!