« 47. Karen Lewis49. Craig Donohue » AGE: 38 OCCUPATION: President of baseball operations, Chicago Cubs In only a few months, the former Red Sox GM has improved clubhouse culture (see the Carlos Zambrano trade) and coined a phrase—“the Cubs Way”—that stands for philosophical change on and off the field. Because Epstein has the power … Read more
« 46. Sunil Kumar48. Theo Epstein » AGE: 58 OCCUPATION: President, Chicago Teachers Union This Dartmouth grad and former science teacher may be her own worst enemy (was it really necessary to mock Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s lisp?). But with contract negotiations on the horizon (the current teachers’ deal expires June 30), the union … Read more
« 44. Matt Hynes46. Sunil Kumar » AGE: 58 OCCUPATION: President and CEO, Chicago Blackhawks A brilliant marketer, McDonough understands the emotional connection that we have with our favorite teams and excels at bringing fans through the door (the Hawks have set league attendance records since the 2008–2009 season). The team’s 2008 TV deal—probably Rocky … Read more
« 53. Jeanne Gang55. Mark Angelson » AGE: 60 OCCUPATION: Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church Hybels’s influence extends far beyond the 24,000 congregants at his six houses of worship in Illinois. His books, his annual global summit of pastors, and his close ties to heavy hitters like Bill and Hillary Clinton make him one of … Read more
« 54. Bill Hybels56. Richard Melman » AGE: 61 OCCUPATION: Deputy mayor, City of Chicago Don’t like shorter library hours or higher water rates? Blame this civic-minded millionaire, whose job is to reduce the city’s $700 million deficit and lure new businesses to Chicago. RELATED: Most Powerful Ex-Chicagoans | Power Couples | Power Siblings | … Read more
« 55. Mark Angelson57. Neil Bluhm » AGE: 70 OCCUPATION: Founder and chairman, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Foodies love to cluck that the head of Chicago’s biggest restaurant group has lost his golden touch—or that he has passed the mantle to sons R.J. and Jerrod (see “Power Siblings”). Said foodies are usually eating at one … Read more
« 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
