November 18, 2011

Mayor Emanuel Names Appointees to Illinois Sports Facilities Authority

Financial acumen and track record to assist with reforms

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today made three appointments to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) that will help reform and streamline operations at ISFA in order to make the Authority more accountable to Chicago and Illinois taxpayers.

“The ISFA plays an important role in supporting Chicago’s sports teams and fans across the city, but they should be driven by a commitment to serve taxpayers and be accountable to their best interests,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Throughout their careers, these three appointees have established a proven track record of managing finances of large and small organizations with integrity.  I am confident they will help bring needed reform to ISFA.”

Mayor Emanuel’s appointees, Jim Reynolds, Norman Bobins, and Christopher Melvin, will not accept any of the perks that have traditionally come with board membership including free special club memberships, free food and beverages and special parking privileges, discounted ticket prices for sporting or special events and access to skybox for events not deemed legitimate use of taxpayer dollars such as charity events.

  • Jim Reynolds is the co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Loop Capital Markets, a global investment banking and brokerage firm based in Chicago. He most recently served as Chair of the Chicago Housing Authority, where he passed compensation and oversight reforms. He also serves on the Leadership Council of the Chicago Public Education Fund, which has been recognized for taking an innovative approach to increasing private investment in public education
  • Norman Bobins is the chairman of Norman Bobins Consulting, LLC and in 2007 he retired from LaSalle Bank Corporation as chairman, president and chief executive officer. He currently serves on the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club where he has supported raising public awareness of the state’s financial situation and served as a voice for reform.
  • Chris Melvin is the Chairman and CEO of Melvin & Company, which he founded in 1989, and serves on the National Advisory Council for Minority Business Enterprise at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he helps to provide advice to the Obama Administration on key issues pertaining to the growth and global competitiveness of the nation’s minority-owned and operated corporations.

Full Biographies Below:

NORMAN BOBINS, Chairman of Norman Bobins Consulting, LLC

Norman Bobins is the chairman of Norman Bobins Consulting, LLC (NBC), which provides financial consulting services to various clients. Bobins began his career at American National Bank and Trust Company in 1967. In 1981, he joined Exchange National Bank, which was acquired by LaSalle Bank. He retired from LaSalle Bank Corporation as chairman, president and chief executive officer in 2007. Bobins served as a member of the Board of Education of the City of Chicago from 1995 until 2010 as well as chairman of the board of trustees of WTTW Communications, Inc. and vice chairman of the Auditorium Theatre Board. He earned his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin in 1964 and his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago in 1967.

 

CHRISTOPHER MELVIN JR., Founder and CEO of Melvin & Company and Chicago River Capital

Chris Melvin is the Chairman and CEO of Melvin & Company, which he founded in 1989. He is also the founder and CEO of Chicago River Capital. Melvin serves on the National Advisory Council for Minority Business Enterprise at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he helps to provide advice to the Emanuel Administration on key issues pertaining to the growth and global competitiveness of the nation’s minority-owned and operated corporations. Melvin previously served on the Board of Governors for both the Chicago Stock Exchange and Boston Stock Exchange. He is also a former member of the Board of Directors for the Securities Industry Association (SIA) (now SIFMA). Melvin began his career in 1980 as a reorganization representative at the Midwest Securities Trust Company. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C.

 

JIM REYNOLDS, President and CEO of Loop Capital Markets

 James Reynolds most recently served as the Commissioner and Chairperson of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). As Commissioner and Chairperson, Reynolds donated his $100,000 salary to Windows of Opportunity to create a scholarship fund that will assist low-income, public housing residents afford higher education. He also serves on the Leadership Council of the Chicago Public Education Fund, which uses an innovative model for increasing private investment in public education Reynolds is the co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Loop Capital Markets, a global investment banking and brokerage firm based in Chicago. A native of the Englewood neighborhood, Reynolds is an active member of the social and civic community in Chicago, serving on the boards of the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness, Chicago United, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, The University of Chicago Hospitals and The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Additionally, Reynolds is the Chairman of the board for the Chicago Urban League. He received Master of Management from Northwestern University and earned his BA from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.

 

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