Rita Athas is the executive director of World Business Chicago (WBC). WBC is a public-private partnership formed by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1999 to serve as a business advocate to bring and retain business in Chicago. As Executive Director, Ms. Athas oversees day-to-day operations of the organization, and with the input of WBC private-sector Board, develops its strategic direction.

Ms. Athas came to the economic development corporation in 2007 after serving as Mayor Daley’s Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs for 10 years. In that capacity she served as the Mayor’s liaison to regional mayors, the US Conference of Mayors, the business community and foundations. Athas has helped spearhead the formation of the Great Lakes Cities Initiative, support for the Modernization of O’Hare Airport, and the development of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

The Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus, formed at the invitation of Mayor Daley to the regions 272 Mayors, serves as one of the prime examples in the nation of city/suburban cooperation.The caucus has addressed such diverse issues as gun control, education reform and tax policy.

Athas has a long history with local government. She served in various positions with a number of suburban municipalities. Prior to joining Mayor Daley’s staff, she served as the Executive Director of the Northwest Municipal Conference, a consortium of 40 municipalities representing a population of over 1 million in Northwest Illinois which is widely recognized as one of the most innovative regional councils in the country.

Athas was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business, as one of the 100 most influential women in Illinois. She is a 1988-89 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. She has been appointed by the Illinois Governor to serve as a Great Lakes Commissioner. Athas serves as Vice President of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). She is an Executive Council Member of Chicago Metropolis 2020. She is a member of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee and serves on the International Advisory Committee.

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