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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING MICHAEL W. LEWIS FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, Michael W. Lewis was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in November 2013, representing suburban Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis has served the RTA with distinction for more than a decade, including in his role as Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee, providing steady leadership and thoughtful oversight of the Authority’s financial stewardship and accountability; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis brought to the RTA a wealth of corporate experience from his more than 30-year career with BMO Financial Group, where he served in numerous roles including assistant vice-president, vice-president, and team leader in the Special Industries Group, assuming responsibility for the Healthcare, Education, and Tax-Exempt Institutions Team; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis concluded his distinguished corporate career as Regional President and Executive Vice President of the Chicago Metro Region of BMO Harris Bank, roles in which he managed critical operations, strategic growth, and community engagement across the region; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis has been an active civic leader in his community, serving on the Village of Olympia Fields’ Economic Development Committee, participating on the zoning board of appeals, contributing to the BMO Harris Diversity Council, and co-chairing the sustainability council; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis has further contributed to the advancement of higher education through his service on Western Michigan University’s Foundation Board and as chairman of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Haworth College of Business; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis’s broad professional expertise, commitment to public service, and dedication to equitable and sustainable community development have strengthened the work of the RTA and enhanced regional mobility throughout northeastern Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis was one of the advocates for better funding for the transit system through reforms such as Northeastern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), contributing to the development and advancement of the legislation that underpins this new regional governance structure, provides sustainable funding to strengthen the future of public transportation in northeastern Illinois; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure, Mr. Lewis consistently demonstrated integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to ensuring that public transportation remains accessible, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the needs of the region’s residents; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we do hereby acknowledge and express our gratitude for Michael W. Lewis’s years of service to the Regional Transportation Authority, recognize his many contributions to public transportation and civic leadership, and extend our best wishes to him in all future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and that an official copy of same be tendered to Michael W. Lewis.
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