Lori Healey, chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley, co-leader in the city’s bid for the 2016 Olympics, former CEO of McPier and head of Clayco in Chicago, died of pancreatic cancer Saturday, her family said in a statement. She was 65.
“Our mother was someone who was fiercely loyal not just to us, but to her friends, mentees and those who entrusted her to lead. Her career was filled with extraordinary accomplishments that will help define her legacy,” said the statement from her children. “So many knew her as a transformative force in public service, city planning and civic development, but to us, her most meaningful role was as our mom.”
More recently, in 2020, Healey joined the Obama Foundation as senior vice president and executive project officer for the Obama Presidential Center, where she was leading construction of the Jackson Park campus.
“Chicago is a better city because of Lori Healey. Lori established herself as one of the most respected and sought-after voices in both the public and private sector thanks to her brilliance, indefatigable work ethic, wise judgment and wit,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the foundation. “Lori could connect with anyone in any room: heads of state, developers, construction workers, young people and every member of our team. She was generous with her time and passionate about living a purposeful life and (being) a mighty force for good.”
Before being hired in 2019 as Chicago’s regional president of Clayco — the development firm tied to expansions of O’Hare International Airport and Willis Tower — Healey was appointed in 2015 the CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, also known as McPier, which owns Navy Pier and McCormick Place. In that role, she supervised the construction of Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis Chicago, according to City Club Chicago.
“The loss of Lori Healey is devastating. Lori was not just my former boss and colleague, not just a mentor, she was a dear friend,” said Larita Clark, Healey’s successor as McPier CEO. “She was a wise and charismatic leader who, in her humble way, was a champion for all people and a tireless advocate for women. Always willing to give of herself, Lori led by elevating those around her.”
Bob Clark, executive chairman and founder of Clayco, told the Tribune over email that he couldn’t think of anyone who had “this much impact” on the city.
“She loved Chicago with all of her being,” he said, “and every morning I’m sure she thought of how to make our community bigger, better and more functional. For everyone.”
After earlier stints both in state government and City Hall, Healey worked under Daley and then ran his family’s firm, Tur Partners, until her appointment to McPier.
In 2012, Healey coordinated and planned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit in Chicago as executive director of the host committee. A few years earlier, in 2009, she had helped lead the city’s failed bid for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.
Just last week, Healey’s son Ramsey Al-Abed accepted the 2025 Game Changer Award on her behalf when she was unable to attend the 37th Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards.
“Her impact has definitely helped shape the landscape of this city over the past decades,” Al-Abed wrote on an Instagram post.
In a video montage presenting the award, friends talked about Healey’s interests and passions beyond work, including golf, the Chicago Bears, her horses and hot sauce she used to stash away in a cabinet.
“I want to thank you. Thank you for not only changing the city of Chicago for the better, and our state and our country, but also for the kind of person that you are,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in the video message.
Healey’s relatives called her “a remarkable woman — a deeply devoted mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in time spent with her adoring family.” She was also “a loving partner” to Walt Eckenhoff, “and an inspiring leader, a friend to so many and a tireless advocate for Chicago.”
“We are heartbroken by this loss but comforted in knowing that her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched — in her grandchildren, colleagues, friends and the city she loved so much,” the statement read.
Apart from her son, Ramsey Al-Abed, she is also survived by her daughter, Emily Thompson Lewis. The family asked for privacy and said additional details about a celebration of life would be shared soon.
