July 23, 2015

Mayor Emanuel Names Eileen Mitchell as Next Chief of Staff

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Thursday named Eileen Mitchell as his next Chief of Staff. Ms. Mitchell currently serves as Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T Illinois. Since 2003, she has been responsible for leading the company's initiatives in public policy, community relations and charitable giving in Illinois. She previously served as Issues Director and Special Assistant to the Speaker in the office of the Illinois Speaker of the House of Representatives in Springfield.

"During her time in public service and the private sector, Eileen has demonstrated a unique ability to help pass important legislation and manage complicated issues – a critical skill set for any Chief of Staff,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Eileen has a passion for public service that will benefit the residents of Chicago as we continue our work to right the City’s financial ship while creating jobs and spurring neighborhood development.”

Ms. Mitchell volunteers as Chairman of the Leader Council for Mercy Home for Boys & Girls and is an advocate for Misericordia where she serves on the organization’s advisory board.

“Mayor Emanuel has afforded me a special opportunity to return to public service and work to make a positive difference for the people of my hometown,” Mitchell said. “I look forward to working with the Mayor and his team to meet the City’s challenges and build on its great strengths to achieve his vision for Chicago.”

Ms. Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Loyola University of Chicago and certification from the Lawyer’s Assistant Program at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Ms. Mitchell and her husband, Jim, are the parents of three children: Jack, Bridget and Martin.

Ms. Mitchell will assume her new role in mid-August.

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