About
Founded in 1894, the Civic Federation is a highly respected independent, non-partisan government research organization that provides analysis and recommendations to maximize the quality and cost-effectiveness of government services and finances for the Chicago region and State of Illinois. The Federation’s membership includes business and professional leaders from a wide range of Chicago area corporations, professional service firms and institutions.
For more than a century, the Civic Federation has been one of the region’s most highly regarded civic institutions, respected by a diverse array of policymakers, journalists and elected officials alike for the quality, rigor and reliability of its analysis. The mission of the Civic Federation is to provide objective research, analysis and recommendations that:
- Champion efficient delivery of high-quality government services;
- Promote sustainable tax policies and responsible long-term financial planning;
- Improve government transparency and accountability; and
- Educate and serve as a resource for policymakers, opinion leaders and the broader public.
The Opportunity
This leader will inherit a remarkable legacy, following the untimely and unexpected passing of the Federation’s previous president, Laurence Msall, in February 2023. Msall was a highly respected and effective leader of the organization for 21 years, helping to make the Civic Federation the indispensable voice for fiscal responsibility and government efficiency throughout the state of Illinois.
As the organization enters its next chapter, it does so with a steadfast dedication to continuing the essential work of the Civic Federation and to deepening its impact at a critical time for residents of the Chicago region and across Illinois.
This is a remarkable opportunity for a visionary leader to invigorate the state and local governmental landscape by shining a spotlight on key fiscal challenges and opportunities facing our State and its local units of government.
The President will provide continued strategic leadership to the organization, spearheading the development and implementation of long-term strategies. They will sustain the operational and financial health of the Civic Federation and will serve the organization’s many constituents by working tirelessly to help establish a forum for dialogue and consensus building. An effective convener, the President will be able to think nimbly, digitally and innovatively around improving the impact and efficacy of the work of the Civic Federation.
Inspired by a genuine passion for fiscal accountability and government efficiency, the President will have a clear vision for the Civic Federation. The President will be a thoughtful and engaging leader of the staff, providing insight, inspiration and clear direction for their work in an environment of transparency, collaboration and mutual respect. This next leader will also be a highly visible and credible member of the community, representing the Civic Federation among peer organizations, government and civic leaders and other key stakeholders across the political and ideological spectrum.
The President will report to the Board of Directors and will partner with both the Board of Directors and the organization’s Board of Trustees. While the Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization with sole fiduciary responsibilities, the Board of Trustees is comprised of a select group of influential leaders and major donors who have generously supported the organization’s work. Together, these two groups help guide the organization’s priorities and ensure its long-term fiscal stability.