How the mighty have fallen. In the 12 months since we compiled our inaugural list of the 100 most powerful Chicagoans, the Fates have given the cards in the city’s power deck a thorough shuffle. With one false step that left him writhing in pain on the court, the bloom came off Bulls star Derrick … Read more
95. Joanne Smith 97. Tony Hu 96 John Rowe Age: 67 Occupation: Chairman, Field Museum Next Back This straight-talking former CEO cemented his considerable reputation by steering Exelon to big profits; last year, with business slowing, he decamped to focus on philanthropic and corporate board work (see “It’s Cozy at the Top”). Photograph: JOEL WINTERMANTLE/CHICAGO … Read more
14. Joe Mansueto 16. Don Thompson 15 Sam Zell Age: 71 Occupation: Chairman, Equity Group Investments Next Back He’s the richest person in Chicago, with a net worth of $3.8 billion, according to Forbes. But his wealth alone does not secure him a spot on this list. Demonstrating an uncanny ability to emerge relatively unscathed … Read more
27. John Canning Jr. 29. Steve Koch 28 Robert Zimmer Age: 65 Occupation: President, University of Chicago Next Back Can you say fast track? In the past year, the expansion-minded South Sider celebrated the openings of the Logan Center for the Arts, David Axelrod’s Institute of Politics, and a hospital at the university. And he … Read more
54. Morton Schapiro 56. Theo Epstein 55 Patricia Hemingway Hall Age: 59 Occupation: CEO, Health Care Service Corp. Next Back She oversees the fourth-largest health insurance company in America, parent of BlueCross and BlueShield of Illinois and provider to 13 million. Look for that number to soar now that Obamacare has the green light. Photograph: … Read more
75. Ted Phillips 77. Robert Clifford 76 Andrew McKenna Sr. Age: 83 Occupation: Chairman, Schwarz Supply Source Next Back Like John Canning Jr. (No. 27), this Winnetkan is a bigwig other bigwigs seek out for advice. He has been the nonexecutive chairman of McDonald’s—long the most admired company in the area—for nearly nine years. Photograph: … Read more
61. Susan Crown 63. Robert Falls 62 Greg Goldner Age: 43 Occupation: CEO, Resolute Consulting Next Back He runs a powerhouse public affairs firm that, during Rahm’s reign, has functioned like an appendage of City Hall: forming a PAC to support the mayor’s preferred candidates, drumming up support for closing underperforming schools, and launching a … Read more
55. Patricia Hemingway Hall 57. Douglas Druick 56 Theo Epstein Age: 39 Occupation: President of baseball operations, Chicago Cubs Next Back Baseball’s golden boy hasn’t been able to end the most-talked-about drought in pro sports. But he still rides high on the team owners’ unequivocal support and fans who hang on his every word. Photograph: … Read more
80. Joseph Ferguson 82. Jorge Ramirez 81 Christopher Crane Age: 54 Occupation: CEO, Exelon Next Back He wields his power literally: Exelon is one of the largest energy providers in the United States. But the relatively little-known nuclear plant operations expert, who took the reins from John Rowe (No. 96) last March, has so far … Read more
16. Don Thompson 18. John Rogers Jr. 17 Jim Delany Age: 64 Occupation: Commissioner, Big Ten Conference Next Back With stunning speed and negotiating savvy, this commissioner has put the Park Ridge-based Big Ten out front of a sea change in college athletics: the super-conference, or the massive conglomeration of schools that equals massive TV … Read more
