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Chicago Civic Leader Lori Healey Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle

Healey, a transformative figure in urban development and public service, leaves behind a legacy of leadership in Chicago's growth and mentorship of future leaders.

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Lori Healey, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, center, and Senator Mattie Hunter (D), 3rd District, right, testify in front of the Senate Executive Committee during a spring session of the Illinois General Assembly at the State Capitol in Springfield on May 29, 2019. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • Lori Healey, a key figure in Chicago's civic and development sectors, passed away on Saturday at age 65 after battling pancreatic cancer, her family confirmed.
  • Healey served as chief of staff to former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and later held leadership roles at McPier, Clayco, and the Obama Foundation.
  • She was instrumental in major projects, including Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics, the 2012 NATO Summit, and the construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.
  • Colleagues and civic leaders praised her for her collaborative leadership style, advocacy for women in construction, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders.
  • Her family described her as a devoted mother and grandmother, with her professional legacy shaping Chicago's urban landscape and inspiring countless individuals.