28 Ken Griffin Age: 45 Occupation: Founder and CEO, Citadel Investments Considered the richest man in Chicago (Forbes estimates his wealth at $4.4 billion), this conservative hedge fund founder—who with his wife, Anne, is a big donor to health and education causes—commands attention when he speaks. But he doesn’t always hew to the party line. In … Read more
32 Fred Eychaner Age: 69 Occupation: CEO, Newsweb Corp. Illinois legislators Heather Steans and Greg Harris introduced the bill, and Mike Madigan (No. 2) delivered the 13 swing votes. But one of the most important backers of the same-sex marriage campaign was this reclusive printing company owner, who reminds us yet again that money absolutely influences … Read more
37 Bruce Rauner Age: 58 Occupation: GOP candidate for governor Rauner’s spot on this list has reached its inevitable crossroads: If he wins the GOP primary and defeats Governor Quinn in November, he will serve as the political counterweight to Democrats Madigan and Emanuel. Should he lose, he may fall off the list altogether. Despite … Read more
40 Karen Lewis Age: 60 Occupation: President, Chicago Teachers Union The union leader was powerless against the massive teacher layoffs and the 49 school closings that roiled CPS last year. But the cred she earned during the 2012 strike has made her a potent watchdog figure on an issue that virtually everyone cares about. Photo: … Read more
41 Rick Bayless Age: 60 Occupation: Restaurateur; founder, Frontera Foods This all-American chef whose Mexican restaurants (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and Xoco) draw diners from all around the globe has increased his pull in the retail food sector over the past year. Shoppers can now find the brightly packaged salsas, chips, and sauces—sold under the moniker … Read more
43 Don Thompson Age: 50 Occupation: CEO, McDonald’s Last year, the CEO of one of America’s most powerful companies was still in his honeymoon phase. Now he’s being pelted with questions about everything from why the company’s stock price is in the doldrums (it has barely budged over the past 12 months) to why he … Read more
44 Cardinal Francis George Age: 77 Occupation: Archbishop of Chicago Vatican watchers are in a tizzy trying to guess whom Pope Francis will name to succeed Chicago’s conservative cardinal (insiders say a decision is due by the end of 2014). In December, George celebrated a high point—his 50th anniversary in the priesthood—surrounded by six cardinals, … Read more
46 David Axelrod Age: 59 Occupation: Director, University of Chicago Institute of Politics Another year removed from the 2012 presidential campaign, the former Obama guru slips 36 spots on the list. But he’s still the go-to guy for the country’s most powerful Dems seeking political advice (including Obama), and he has the ear of both … Read more
49 Douglas Druick Age: 68 Occupation: President, Art Institute of Chicago Last year’s Picasso and Chicago drew the largest daily crowds the museum had seen in a decade. This chief’s next sure-to-be slam dunk? The forthcoming René Magritte show, opening this June. Photo: Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune
51 Patricia Hemingway Hall Age: 61 Occupation: CEO, Health Care Service Corp. When the earth shifts beneath an entire industry—as it did last year for the health care system—you might appreciate the fact that your insurer’s CEO started her career as an intensive care nurse. As the head of the operating company for Blue Cross … Read more
