The Chicago Council launched the Emerging Leaders Program in 2008 to help equip Chicago’s next generation of leaders with the background needed to compete and thrive in the global era. With the generous support of the McCormick Foundation, this two year program provides Emerging Leaders with a deeper understanding of Chicago’s place in the global economy.

The program also offers participants the opportunity to build a strong network of contacts with current civic and business leaders and, as importantly, with their Chicagoland peers. The inaugural class of 2008-2010 and the most recent class of 2009-2011 are impressive individuals with diverse backgrounds, including professionals from Chicago's civic, business, and government sectors. 

The Chicago Council is once again seeking to identify approximately twenty exceptional people between the ages of 35 and 45 to participate in this program. An independent selection committee cochaired by John F. Manley, president of Chicago City Capital Group, and Shirley Welsh Ryan, chairman of Pathways Awareness Foundation, and comprised of other prominent Chicago business and civic leaders will select the next class by May 2010.

We invite you to nominate a highly talented individual with exceptional leadership qualities by submitting a nomination form, a letter of recommendation, and the candidate’s résumé. We ask that you provide these documents to The Chicago Council on Global Affairs no later than Monday, February 8, 2010. Upon receipt of these materials, we will notify candidates of their nomination and ask them to complete a separate application. Detailed information on the Emerging Leaders Program, participant qualifications, a nomination form, and background on the inaugural class of Emerging Leaders can be found on our Web site.

The Chicago Council is enthusiastic about this program and the impact that it will have on Chicago and its future leaders. We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your nomination. Should you have questions, please contact Juliana Kerr Viohl at (312) 821-7511 or elp@thechicagocouncil.org.