CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson today announced the appointment of Guy Chipparoni as Chair of the Board of Directors of Choose Chicago. Chipparoni is the President and CEO of Res Publica Group, one of Chicago’s leading strategic communications and public affairs firms.  

As Chair, Chipparoni will lead the board in advancing Choose Chicago’s mission to promote the City of Chicago as a top-tier global destination for leisure travel, conventions, and business meetings. In collaboration with over 1,500 partner members and key civic and industry stakeholders, Choose Chicago plays a vital role in driving inclusive economic growth across the city.  

"Tourism is more than an industry in Chicago—it’s a powerful engine of opportunity for our neighborhoods and working families,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Guy brings decades of leadership, deep civic engagement, and a clear understanding of how to amplify Chicago’s global brand. I am confident that under his guidance, Choose Chicago will continue to elevate our city as the premier place to visit, meet, and invest.”  

Chipparoni has led Res Publica Group since founding it in 2001, advising corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit institutions on reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs strategy. A long-time civic contributor, Chipparoni has served on boards and advisory committees across sectors and brings a collaborative approach to problem-solving rooted in his deep understanding of Chicago’s media, policy, and business landscapes.  

“It’s an honor to serve as the next Chairman of Choose Chicago,” said Chipparoni. “Our visitor industry is a direct reflection of Chicago’s vibrancy, energy, and soul. It is also an industry that is critically important to our local and regional economy. I look forward to working alongside Mayor Brandon Johnson, Kristen Reynolds, and the incredible Choose Chicago team to promote our extraordinary city to business and leisure visitors. Whether you are drawn by our architecture, cuisine, sports, theater, music, or the rich diversity of our neighborhoods, Chicago is in a class of its own. Chicagoans know it, and our job will be to make sure the world does as well.”  

I’m incredibly excited to begin this new chapter at Choose Chicago alongside Guy Chipparoni,” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “Guy’s deep commitment to Chicago, paired with his tourism expertise and strategic insight, make him the ideal leader of our board of directors who set the vision for our organization and our industry. Together, we will champion a visitor economy that not only drives growth but reflects the full vibrancy and diversity of our city.”  

Choose Chicago’s Board of Directors comprises 35 leaders from across the visitor, hospitality, business, and civic sectors. Chipparoni succeeds Glenn Eden, who has served as Chair since 2019.  

“Serving as Chair of Choose Chicago has been one of the great honors of my professional life,” said outgoing Chair Glenn Eden. “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I am confident that Guy will bring bold leadership and a clear vision to guide Choose Chicago through its next chapter.”  

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