OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT
MAYOR
January 26, 2022
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
J transmit herewith a congratulatory resolution for Mark Kelly upon his retirement as Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours^
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, In recognition of his leadership and appreciation for his service to enriching Chicago's artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy, the Members of this Chamber are pleased to congratulate Mark Kelly, the former Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, on the occasion of his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kelly was born and raised in Chicago. He received a bachelor's degree from John Carroll University and a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati; and
WHEREAS, For more than 30 years, Mr. Kelly served in numerous leadership roles at Columbia College, all while consistently supporting students who view the world through a creative lens in attaining a world-class education that blends creative and media arts, liberal arts, and business; and
WHEREAS, Prior to becoming Commissioner, Mr. Kelly served as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Columbia College to foster and oversee an immersive arts experience for Columbia's burgeoning student body, across its 100 different degree programs; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the significance of Mr. Kelly's lifelong career in arts education and development in Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed him as Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in 2016, where he advanced Chicago's place as a cultural destination for artists and visitors around the world; and
WHEREAS, As Commissioner, Mr. Kelly addressed inequality in the arts by introducing several programs that prioritized the South and West Sides of Chicago, including Chicago Presents...
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