Ad Categories: City Life

Long a trusted adviser to names such as Buffett, Wrigley, and Pritzker, the ex–Goldman banker has gained clout by stepping into the role of principal investor, raising two funds worth $8 billion total.

He runs the family’s investment firm; Dad is a billionaire industrialist; and he sits on some mighty powerful boards.

He runs the City Council’s finance committee like a personal fiefdom. But the council is as much of a mayoral rubber stamp as ever. 

Illinois's top lawyer falls six spots after passing up a run for governor (a race many thought she’d win). She is mum about taking on the Republican senator Mark Kirk next year. Capitol Hill would move her beyond state government, where her father’s presence seems to be stymieing her rise.

Trustees just extended the brainy economist’s contract another three years. The university’s coffers top $9.8 billion, a record. In January, he showed he’s a rock-star closer of huge gifts, bagging $101 million from Warren Buffett’s sister, Roberta Elliott. 

Poor Richard. His deal for Shire fell apart, and AbbVie’s stock is dropping. This could be his make-or-break year.

Nukes. That’s where Exelon (ComEd’s parent) gets more than half the energy it distributes, with most of its nuclear plants right here in Illinois. From supplying warmth to supplying jobs, Crane’s got the power.

This newbie to the list was already a power in the philanthropic world. Add her influence as first lady and she’s someone whose calls will always get answered.

The operating company for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois had a tough fiscal year, but at least it snagged the bulk of Obamacare consumers in the state. 

Last year, Byrd-Bennett managed a task more daunting than subduing a teachers’ strike or shuttering schools: grappling with a $900 million shortfall. She made ends meet using a one-time accounting adjustment, while crossing her fingers that pension reform will help with the long-term cure.