Chicago
Lori Healey, a powerhouse in civic leadership and urban planning whose legacy helped shape the modern face of Chicago, died on Saturday, May 3. She was 65. Her family confirmed her passing in a statement released Sunday, calling her “a remarkable woman — a deeply devoted mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in time spent with her adoring family.”
Born in New Orleans and raised across various states as a self-described “Army brat,” Healey embodied a sense of mobility and service from an early age. After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in public administration from the University of Kansas, she began her career in public service in 1983 as a policy aide to Kansas Governor John Carlin.
What followed was a transformative career that spanned public policy, economic development, infrastructure, and civic leadership. In Chicago, where her impact is most deeply felt, Healey rose through the ranks to become commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development under Mayor Richard M. Daley. Her strategic insight and managerial acumen earned her a promotion in 2007 to serve as Daley’s chief of staff, succeeding Ron Huberman.
“Lori Healey was a brilliant leader whose tireless spirit and deep commitment to public service set her apart,” former Mayor Daley said in a statement. “She was so much more than a colleague—she was like family. Her passing is a profound loss for me personally and for so many others in our great city.”
In 2009, Healey took on a bold new challenge as president of Chicago 2016, co-leading the city’s bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Though the effort did not result in a win, it cemented her reputation as a strategic thinker capable of guiding high-stakes international projects. That reputation was further reinforced in 2012 when she led the organizational efforts behind the NATO Summit in Chicago as executive director of the NATO Host Committee.
She later became chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority — better known as McPier — where she oversaw large-scale development projects including the Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis Chicago, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s convention and tourism infrastructure. Her leadership at McPier highlighted her ability to align vision with execution in complex, high-profile endeavors.
In 2019, Healey joined Clayco, a prominent Chicago-based design and development firm, where she led the company’s regional operations as president of the Chicago business unit. Her dual expertise in both public and private sectors made her a sought-after leader at the intersection of civic ambition and urban development.
That rare blend of public-mindedness and private-sector savvy found perhaps its most meaningful expression in her role at the Obama Foundation. In December 2020, Healey was appointed senior vice president and executive project officer of the Obama Presidential Center. She was at the forefront of one of the most ambitious civic projects on Chicago’s South Side — a 19.3-acre campus in Jackson Park that is still under construction.
“Chicago is a better city because of Lori Healey,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation. “She could connect with anyone in any room: heads of state, developers, construction workers, young people. She was generous with her time and passionate about living a purposeful life… a mighty force for good.”
Jarrett also praised Healey’s commitment to mentoring young women in construction, management, and public service, underscoring the ripple effect of her legacy across generations. Healey was also a champion of workforce development, working closely with initiatives like Hire360 and the CFL Workforce & Community Initiative to expand access to quality jobs and training in Chicago’s trades.
Dan Gibbons, CEO of the City Club of Chicago, where Healey served as a board member, reflected on her impact: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Lori Healey… She leaves behind a legacy of impact and leadership that will continue to inspire us all for generations.”
In a city known for its tough politics and towering personalities, Lori Healey stood out for her intelligence, grace under pressure, and unwavering sense of purpose. She was a rare leader who could move seamlessly between City Hall, boardrooms, and community meetings — always with the same goal: to make Chicago stronger, fairer, and more vibrant.
Her death marks the end of a chapter in the story of Chicago’s urban evolution. Yet the projects she led, the teams she built, and the people she mentored remain enduring testaments to a life lived in service of others. Healey is survived by her partner Walt, her children, grandchildren, and countless colleagues and friends who mourn her loss and honor her immense contributions.
In Valerie Jarrett’s words, “No doubt she’s kayaking up in the clouds, stopping to watch over all of us.”
