- Jennifer Farrington
President
Chicago Children's Museum
Jennifer Farrington became President and Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Children's Museum (CCM) in early 2008. She is currently leading the museum’s effort to relocate to Grant Park in a joint project with the Chicago Park District.
Jennifer began at CCM as a college intern in 1991, and returned in 1995 as the museum was settling into its Navy Pier location. She assumed responsibility for a fledgling student visit program, doubling its size in less than two years. In 1997, she was named director of student and educator programs, where she helped coordinate some of the 400 education programs the museum runs both in-house and in neighborhoods across the city.
In 2001, planning a career change after the birth of her second child, Jennifer instead was promoted to associate vice president of education after her exit interview with then-President and CEO Peter England generated ideas for new museum programs and initiatives. Her further success in growing the education program elevated her in 2003 to the position of vice president of education.
In April, 2008, Jennifer was officially named President and CEO of Chicago Children's Museum as Peter England retired. She has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Association of Children's Museums board of directors, and as an advisor to such institutions as the Field Museum, Chicago History Museum, and Boston Children’s Museum.
Jennifer lives in Chicago and holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College and a master’s degree in Education from University of Illinois at Chicago.
Brendan Reilly
Alderman, 42nd Ward
Brendan Reilly, 35, is the son of Dr. Brendan Reilly, Chief of Medicine at Cook County Hospital, and Janice Reilly, a retired publishing executive and the past President of the Women’s Board of the Illinois Cancer Society.
Alderman Reilly’s career in public service began shortly after he graduated from Hobart College in 1994, when he joined the Illinois House of Representatives’ staff in Springfield. Reilly helped shape efforts by state government to protect air and water and preserve parks and open spaces, working with lawmakers, environmentalists and the Illinois EPA and Department of Natural Resources.
Reilly also helped develop programs to reform government by making it more accessible and responsive. Reilly initiated new constituent services programs that worked one-on-one with individual taxpayers who needed help accessing government programs and services. He also bridged the gap between state government and suburban leaders in government, business, and non-profit agencies to find common sense solutions to community-wide concerns.
In 2002 Reilly was recruited by AT&T to serve as Midwest Vice President of Public Affairs. At age 30, Reilly became AT&T’s youngest regional vice-president in history, managing a multi-million dollar budget and staff for a five state region, directing all public relations for AT&T regarding public policy, consumer services and business services, and working closely with Illinois lawmakers and consumer advocates
