illi News - Commissioner Jamie Rhee Announces Retirement from the Chicago Department of Aviation

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee has announced her retirement from her position, effective April 15, 2025. Rhee, who was appointed in 2018, has been instrumental in overseeing major projects at both O'Hare and Midway International Airports.

During her tenure, Rhee has made significant contributions to the city's airports, leading to the welcoming of over 100 million passengers in 2024. Mayor Brandon Johnson praised Rhee for her dedication and impact on the city's airports and its people.

"Throughout her decades-long career, Commissioner Rhee embodied the best of public service, and she has left an indelible mark on our airports and our city," said Mayor Johnson. "Her work has improved the travel experience for hundreds of millions of visitors that will be felt for generations to come. Her unwavering commitment to diverse businesses of all types and sizes has opened countless doors for Chicagoans who have been shut out for far too long."

Rhee expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has been given and her pride in the progress made during her time as commissioner.

"I am eternally grateful for the opportunities that have been afforded to me and am extremely proud of the work that's been accomplished to move our City and our airports forward," said Commissioner Rhee. "I would like to thank my team at the Department of Aviation and my colleagues for their incredible dedication to public service."

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Under Rhee's leadership, several transformative projects have taken place at Chicago's airports. These include a modernization project at Terminal 5 which added 350,000 square feet and 10 new gates to accommodate different size aircraft. Additionally, a new parking facility was constructed and commissioned.

At Midway International Airport, Rhee oversaw the expansion of a new security checkpoint which doubled its capacity from 2,500 to 5,000 passengers per hour. She also managed the completion of the Midway Modernization Program, which included a $75 million investment in the concessions redevelopment program and has one of the highest Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) participation rates in the nation.

One of Rhee's most significant achievements was the reconfiguration of O'Hare's airfield from an intersecting runway system to a parallel (east-west) runway configuration. This modernization not only improved the airport but also resulted in a 66% reduction in system impact delays and created tens of thousands of jobs.

Rhee's career in aviation began as a Customer Service Foreign Language Assistant at O'Hare International Airport while she pursued her law degree at night. She then went on to hold various roles in the City's Planning and Development Department, Department of Law, and eventually returned to the CDA as General Counsel for the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP). She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff under Mayor Richard M. Daley before becoming Chief Procurement Officer for nearly a decade.

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Rhee is highly regarded in the aviation industry and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Airports Council International – North America and as a member of the Airports Council International World Board. She has also held positions such as Chair of the US Policy Council for Airport Council International – North America during FAA reauthorization. Rhee is also involved with several national and local boards, including the American Association of Airport Executives, Executive Women in Aviation, U.S. Travel Association, and World Travel and Tourism Council.

As Commissioner Rhee prepares to retire, her contributions to Chicago's airports will be remembered for years to come. Her dedication to public service and commitment to improving travel experiences for all will leave a lasting impact on both visitors and residents alike.

Filed Under: Government, City

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