« 56. Richard Melman58. Thomas Cole » AGE: 74 OCCUPATION: Managing principal, Walton Street Capital Last July, this real-estate magnate opened Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, which is now pumping out millions in taxes to the suburb and has created 1,300 jobs to date. Political clout helps: He counts Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Michael … Read more
« 57. Neil Bluhm59. Richard M. Daley » AGE: 63 OCCUPATION: Chair, executive committee, Sidley Austin This prominent rainmaker for the big law firm has a reputation as the most influential corporate lawyer in Chicago, the sounding board for anyone looking to do an acquisition or a merger. The kicker? He’s a nice guy too. … Read more
« 58. Thomas Cole60. Robert Falls » AGE: 69 OCCUPATION: Former mayor, City of Chicago He may have left office, but Rich isn’t finished by a long shot. He practices law at Katten Muchin Rosenman, teaches at the University of Chicago, sits on the prestigious Coca-Cola board, and has potent political clout to uncoil. MORE … Read more
« 5. Rocky Wirtz7. Derrick Rose » AGE: 57 OCCUPATION: Chief strategist, Obama 2012 One of the few people anywhere who can just ring up the most powerful man on the planet, Axelrod is unquestionably Obama’s Man in Chicago. The president has entrusted his political mythologizer and former White House adviser to script his reelection … Read more
« 59. Richard M. Daley61. Mellody Hobson » AGE: 57 OCCUPATION: Artistic director, Goodman Theatre Chicago’s premier main stage is still earning acclaim 25 years into Falls’s relentless pursuit of theatre for the masses that pushes the envelope. His latest coup: scoring Nathan Lane and longtime collaborator Brian Dennehy for Eugene O’Neill’s The Iceman Cometh, … Read more
« 60. Robert Falls62. Francie Comer » AGE: 42 OCCUPATION: President, Ariel Investments Brilliant financial minds are a dime a dozen in these parts. But how many wonks also appear regularly on network TV, have the ear of Howard Schultz (Starbucks) and Jeffrey Katzenberg (DreamWorks), and date George Lucas? RELATED: Most Powerful Ex-Chicagoans | Power … Read more
« 42. Paul Kahan44. Matt Hynes » AGE: 41 OCCUPATION: President, Chicago Federation of Labor The son of a Mexican-immigrant labor leader, this savvy negotiator commands respect at City Hall. Last July, when the mayor announced plans to lay off 625 city workers, Ramirez complained that the move was “no way to treat a partner”—and … Read more
« 43. Jorge Ramirez45. John McDonough » AGE: 40 OCCUPATION: Director, Office of Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs, City of Chicago Son of former Illinois Senate president Tom and brother of former comptroller Dan, Hynes had the connections to land the job of Rahm’s campaign adviser and, after that, chief lobbyist. All things political inside … Read more
« 61. Mellody Hobson63. James Crown » AGE: 76 OCCUPATION: Philanthropist The widow of Lands’ End founder Gary Comer not only bestows astronomical sums on city institutions but does it with panache. Grant Park’s beloved Summer Dance series? Comer’s suggestion. Daley’s 2011 farewell gala, which raised more than $1 million for the Art Institute? Her … Read more
« 62. Francie Comer64. Deborah DeHaas » AGE: 58 OCCUPATION: President, Henry Crown and Company Son of the influential billionaire Lester (see “Power Couples”), Jim runs the private investment firm his grandfather founded. He’s also the lead director of and a major shareholder in huge defense contractor General Dynamics— and a big mover in civic, … Read more
