June 23, 2012

Mayor Emanuel Creates New Office of Public Engagement

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

CHICAGO - Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the creation of a new Office of Public Engagement which will serve as a direct link between the Mayor's Office, City departments, Sister Agencies, external partners and communities across the City to make city government and its resources more accessible.

“Chicago is a city of communities and our diverse communities are what make Chicago great,” said Mayor Emanuel. “One of our goals is to ensure that as an administration we are doing everything possible to reach out to each and every community, engage them in working with my administration on improving our City, and to make government services and assistance available.”

Working with the Office of New Americans, Commission on Human Relations, Faith Outreach, Civic Engagement and Service (formerly the Chief Service Officer) and Chicago Alternative Policing Strategies (CAPS), and external and community affairs representatives from city departments and sister agencies, the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement will allow the City to enhance community outreach and engagement efforts.

This work will include connecting community members to resources across City government to help them serve and celebrate their communities; and collaborating with neighborhood and civic organizations, nonprofits, policy advisory groups and various city agencies to inform and engage citizens for the betterment of their communities and the city at large.

The creation of this new office will be spearheaded by Deputy Chief of Staff Felicia Davis. “As First Deputy Chief of Staff, Felicia has demonstrated a special talent for connecting communities and working with the diversity of the City,” added Mayor Emanuel. “She has used her experience as a police officer, knowledge of the City, and collaborative approach to problem solving to lead the City/County Public Safety Collaboration on Anti-Violence and Community Stabilization, to direct Chicago’s involvement in the United States Department of Justice National Forum on Youth Violence, and to coordinate City resources for the successful NATO Summit. She is the natural choice to oversee the creation of this new office.”

“I am proud that Mayor Emanuel has chosen me to lead this important new office,” said Davis. “Chicago is strongest when we realize that we share one City and one mission. The Office of Public Engagement will work to support that shared mission, so that we can shape a better future for Chicago’s children.”

About Felicia Davis:

Felicia is a dynamic leader with a passion for service. “In my life, I have walked in the footsteps of those I serve and believe I have an obligation to work to effect changes large and small that will benefit them and impact the shape of their future.” It was this commitment that inspired Mayor Emanuel to ask her to serve as a member of the Mayoral Transition Team and Chair the Public Safety Committee in 2011. With a professional career spanning more than 20 years, Felicia has worked in a wide range of environments with diverse populations and built strong networks and partnerships along the way. Most recently, Felicia served as the Vice President of Administration at Kendall College. Prior to Kendall College, Felicia served the Chicago Police Department, with distinction, for 10 years. During her tenure at CPD, she worked in many roles, completing her law enforcement career as a Detective in the Department’s Violent Crimes section, where she also oversaw the Community Policing Strategies. Felicia is a Chicago native and life-long resident; she resides on the City’s South Side with her family.