title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LORI HEALEY
WHEREAS, Lori T. Healey was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1959 to Col. Stephen and Linda (Sigley) Thomas; and
WHEREAS, she earned a BA in Economics and an MS in Public Administration from Kansas State University, who have recognized her as a Distinguished Alumna; and
WHEREAS, Healey was a distinguished public servant who dedicated her life to urban development, civic and business engagement, and building community; and
WHEREAS, throughout her storied career, Healey acted as a mentor to so many, and particularly invested in mentoring young women; and
WHEREAS, Healey’s remarkable career spanned public and private sectors. She served as Chief of Staff and Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development under Mayor Richard M. Daley, where she oversaw more than $1 billion in economic development investments in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, as CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (McCormick Place), she was instrumental in major developments including the Marriott Marquis Chicago and Wintrust Arena, while also overseeing the largest convention center in North America; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, she joined the Obama Foundation as Senior Vice President and Executive Project Officer, overseeing design of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. The center, set to open in 2026, reflects her commitment to creating spaces to inspire and empower communities; and
WHEREAS, Healey was deeply involved in Chicago’s civic community and served on a number of prominent boards including the Chicago Fire Department Foundation, Choose Chicago, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the Chicago Sports Commission, the Chicago Urban League, the City Club of Chicago, Navy Pier, Chicago Architecture Foundation and World Business Chicago; and
WHEREAS, she was an avid horsewoman and competed in dressage at a national level with her beloved horses. She also enjoyed golfing and skiing, Chicago sports teams, and travel; and
WHEREAS, Healey passed on May 3, 2025 after battling pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her loving children and grandchildren: son, Ramsey Al-Abed (Christina Kozaya and daughter Mylo); daughter Emily Thompson Lewis (Steve Lewis and grandchildren Oliver, Zoe and Nora), and partner Walt Eckenhoff. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Stephen A. Thomas.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners honor the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Lori T. Healey and her significant contributions to the City of Chicago and Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Lori T. Healey in memoriam of her life and legacy.
end