FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
CONTACT:
Press@Chicago2024.com
CHICAGO, IL — Today, the 2024 DNC Convention Host Committee (Host Committee) announced that Christy George will serve as the permanent Executive Director effective September 25th. Keiana Barrett will serve as senior advisor.
Christy George is a dedicated public servant and problem solver. She joined Governor JB Pritzker’s Office in 2021 as First Assistant Deputy Governor for Budget & Economy leading the Governor’s business attraction and engagement efforts, workforce development priorities, crafting the Reimagining Energy & Vehicles (REV) Act, and overseeing the operations of multiple state agencies, boards and commissions. Before joining the Governor’s Office, George served as the Executive Director of the Illinois Commerce Commission where she managed 200+ employees, the agency’s budget and operations, and the implementation of COVID-19 relief for utility rate payers. Before that, George served in several roles at the City of Chicago including Deputy Budget Director for Public Safety, Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, and Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Department of Law. George obtained her J.D. at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. She currently lives in the Beverly-Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago with her husband and daughters.
“I am thrilled to lead the Host Committee and tell Chicago’s story to the nation,” said George. “I am confident we will put on one of the best conventions in living memory, and I look forward to working with our partners to showcase our city and the Midwest!”
Keiana Barrett has more than 25 years of government affairs, equity and inclusion, crisis communication, community engagement and project management experience. Most recently she served as the Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer for Sterling Bay. Prior to that position, Barrett served in a variety of leadership roles including Deputy Director of the Heartland Alliance, Senior Policy Advisor for the 4th Ward Aldermanic Office, National Press Secretary for Rainbow PUSH, Director of Development and External Affairs for DuSable Museum of African American History, and Director of Communications for the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, DC. Barrett is a proud mother of two and a lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side.
“I am delighted to join the Host Committee team as senior advisor and am eager to begin our work of highlighting all our great city has to offer,” said Barrett. “I look forward to sharing the signature stories and values of Chicago’s unique neighborhoods with the country.”
Kaitlin Fahey will transition from her current role as Interim Executive Director to a General Consultant role at the end of the month. She will remain involved in Host Committee operations through the convention.
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