Celebrating 40 Years of Getting Big Things Done
On October 14, 2025, nearly 400 civic, business, and government leaders gathered at the Harold Washington Library Center to celebrate Civic Consulting Alliance’s 40th Anniversary — four decades of driving meaningful impact across Chicago.
In her opening remarks, CEO Rebekah Scheinfeld reflected on the milestone and the incredible community that has made it possible.
“Look around this room — we have leaders from every sector united by a commitment to a stronger Chicago region. We are stronger when we work together toward a shared vision, and for Civic Consulting Alliance, that means bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders to get big things done. Over the past 40 years, we’ve provided more than $300 million in pro bono services to our clients — including $100 million in the past five years alone.”
Rebekah celebrated the individuals and institutions whose partnership has made the work possible — Board members, clients, funders, her team, and of course, pro bono partners, each bringing their expertise, time, and energy to help get big things done for the Chicago region.
Voices of Impact: Highlights from the Evening
The program featured a powerful lineup of speakers who shared how their partnership with Civic Consulting Alliance has advanced initiatives in health, economic development, education, and public safety.
Dr. Larry Goodman, Rush University System for Health
Cross-sector collaboration powers health and wellness
Dr. Goodman reflected on the launch of West Side United, a cross-sector collaborative aimed at eliminating the 16-year life expectancy gap between the Loop and West Side by 2030. Civic Consulting Alliance played a critical role in connecting institutions, community members, and pro bono partners to drive place-based investments that improve health, wellness, and opportunity on the West Side.
Christy George, President & CEO, Illinois Economic Development Corporation
Pro bono expertise strengthens Illinois’ economy
Christy highlighted how Civic Consulting Alliance leverages pro bono expertise to strengthen Illinois’ economic competitiveness. From advancing business investment projects to fortifying the quantum computing supply chain, the collaboration demonstrates how government, business, and civic leaders can work together to unlock opportunities that benefit the entire state.
Deputy Mayor Kenya Merritt, City of Chicago
Neutral facilitation accelerates economic development
Deputy Mayor Merritt shared how Civic Consulting Alliance has supported the City’s “Cut the Tape” initiative, acting as a neutral facilitator across 14 departments to expedite development approvals. With 90% of the initiative’s 107 recommendations already implemented, the partnership is helping to foster affordable housing, vibrant commercial corridors, and streamlined pathways for entrepreneurs.
Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago
Capacity building and organizational impact
Chancellor Salgado spoke to nearly two decades of partnership with Civic Consulting Alliance, beginning with the reinvention of City Colleges—a transformation that modernized campuses, aligned programs with industry needs, and doubled graduation rates. Today, Civic Consulting Alliance continues to provide strategic support, build staff capacity, and help City Colleges advance opportunities for adult learners and non-traditional students.
Superintendent Larry Snelling, Chicago Police Department
Partnership for public safety and trust
Superintendent Snelling emphasized Civic Consulting Alliance’s longstanding partnership with CPD, dating back to 1989. Most recently, our partnership and expertise have guided initiatives to embed community-focused policing across the Department, strengthen trust with residents, and implement actionable reforms affecting 12,000 officers.
Looking Ahead: Board Leadership and the New Strategic Plan
Closing the program, Board Chair Deborah DeHaas and Vice Chair Jennifer Steans reflected on the milestone year and shared the vision for the next chapter.
Deb emphasized how the new five-year strategic plan sharpens Civic Consulting Alliance’s focus on areas of greatest impact — Economic Vitality, Education, Health, and Safety & Justice — while preserving flexibility to respond to the region’s evolving needs.
“Together, we will continue to get big things done for Chicago and beyond,” they noted, inviting everyone in the room to partner in shaping the next 40 years of civic leadership and progress.
Relive the Celebration
A selection of photos capturing the evening’s moments — from shared stories and applause to the connections that make this community so extraordinary.
Looking Ahead: Join Us in the Next 40 Years
Deborah DeHaas & Jennifer Steans
The Board Chair and Vice Chair celebrated Civic Consulting Alliance’s new five-year strategic plan, focusing on Economic Vitality, Education, Health, and Safety & Justice. Developed collaboratively with stakeholders, the plan ensures Civic Consulting Alliance can continue to channel collective resources for lasting, measurable impact.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Host Committee
The celebration was made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and the leadership of the Host Committee, particularly co-chairs Michael Fassnacht and Richard Price. We are grateful to all Host Committee members: Debra Bogo-Ernst, A. Steven Crown, Katie Jahnke Dale, Gillian Darlow, Deborah L. DeHaas, Brent Gledhill, Graham Grady, Teresa Wilton Harmon, Kish Khemani, John McCarter, Dorri McWhorter, Cindy Moelis, David Narefsky, James Pajakowski, Jennifer Steans, Daniel Sullivan, Tina Tabacchi, Melissa Washington, Kelly Welsh, and Bob Wislow.
