Lori Lightfoot

Lori E. Lightfoot served as the 56th Mayor of Chicago from 2019 to 2023, becoming the first Black woman and first openly gay person to lead the city. During her tenure, she led Chicago through the COVID-19 pandemic while addressing public safety, neighborhood investment, economic development, health equity, and racial equity. Prior to becoming mayor, Lightfoot held several public-service and leadership roles in Chicago, including President of the Chicago Police Board and Chair of the Police Accountability Task Force. An attorney and former federal prosecutor, she has continued her work in public policy and leadership following her mayoral service, including serving as a Richard L. and Ronay A. Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her work and public service have focused on the complex challenges facing urban communities, including public health, public safety, equity, policing, and community trust.