The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday appointed former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers as board chairman of Choose Chicago, as has been expected.
From the Chicago Tribune:
Rogers, now CEO of Ebony and Jet parent Johnson Publishing Co., steps into the volunteer post vacated recently by venture capitalist and Emanuel ally Bruce Rauner, a Republican who is exploring a run for governor. Her appointment is effective immediately.
“I am confident that she will help Choose Chicago reach the next level as it continues to find creative ways to lure tourists and convention business,” Emanuel said in a written statement. “I am excited at the prospect of working alongside Desiree again.”
Emanuel was chief of staff in President Barack Obama’s White House during Rogers’ stint.
Rogers said, in a statement, that she looks forward to helping Choose Chicago “further elevate Chicago so that the city can reap the economic, job creation and investment benefits that come from increased tourism and convention business.”
Choose Chicago is a government-supported not-for-profit that markets the city as a destination for tourists, business travelers and conventions.
Rogers also has worked for AT&T, Allstate and Peoples Energy. She previously ran the $2 billion Illinois State Lottery for six years. She serves on two local non-profit boards — Keep a Child Alive and DonorsChoose.
She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wellesley College and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
About Post Author
