Governor Quinn Appoints Longtime Transportation and Sustainability Advocate to CTA Board

CHICAGO – August 20, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today appointed transportation and sustainability advocate Jacky Grimshaw to the Chicago Transit Board. Grimshaw serves as the Vice President of Policy at the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), a think-and-do tank that researches, develops and promotes new solutions for livable and sustainable urban communities.

“Throughout her long career, Jacky Grimshaw has fought tirelessly for innovation and sustainability, particularly in the area of transportation,” said Governor Quinn. “She will help ensure that the CTA leads in green innovation and provides fast, reliable and cost-effective transportation to people of Illinois.”

Grimshaw joined the CNT in 1992 and has focused on transportation research, public participation, public policy advocacy, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and community economic development. She created and led CNT’s transportation and air quality programs, including its Transit Future Campaign for mass transit reform in the Chicago area.

“I am honored to join the CTA Board of Directors,” Grimshaw said. “I am excited to put my experience in transportation reform to work for the CTA, ensuring that Chicago’s public transportation system leads the country for generations to come.”

She also has worked for Chicago Public Schools and served late Chicago Mayor Harold Washington as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and later the Deputy City Treasurer. She has also worked as a medical researcher in both federal and state government.

Additionally, Grimshaw hosted a talk show on Chicago’s National Public Radio and was a regular panelist on Chicago’s ABC affiliate, and was columnist for Crain’s Chicago Business. She has completed requirements for a Masters in Public Policy from Governors State University and has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marquette University.

The CTA operates the nation's second largest public transportation system and covers the City of Chicago and 40 surrounding suburbs. On an average weekday, approximately 1.7 million rides are taken on the CTA.

For more information on the Chicago Transit Board and other Illinois boards and commissions, please visit Appointments.Illinois.gov.

• Jacquelyne “Jacky” D. Grimshaw biography