Dive Brief:

• Chicago’s CFO Jill Jaworski is leaving City Hall behind to become the Chief Finance and Administrative Officer of Navy Pier, a popular tourist destination built on a redeveloped industrial pier, effective Feb. 2, according to a press release shared with CFO Dive by Navy Pier.   
• Jaworski has held the post since June of 2023, according to her LinkedIn account. Most recently, she presided over a tough budget battle that resulted in the passing of a $16.6 billion budget opposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who warned Wednesday he was preparing for mid-year layoffs if revenues fall short, according to The Chicago Sun-Times.     
• During a press conference Wednesday, Johnson did not directly respond to a question about when the city would put Jaworski’s successor in place but expressed confidence that it would find the right person for the job. “Look she hasn’t left yet, we’re going to give her flowers while she’s still here, she’s done an incredible job,” Johnson said.

Dive Insight:

Before joining Johnson’s administration shortly after he became major, Jaworski served as a managing director of PFM, the Philadelphia-based public finance advisory firm. Prior to that, she worked at Jefferies & Co. for about 12 years. She holds a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Chicago.  

The non-profit Navy Pier in its release cited Jaworski’s knowledge of government and financial consulting and grant funding, calling her appointment as CFAO “a significant step” in its evolution and noting her appointment received an “overwhelming endorsement” of its board of directors.

“Jill brings a rare combination of deep financial acumen, trusted relationships across Chicago’s business and civic communities, and proven, steady leadership. Jill’s unwavering commitment to advancing the City of Chicago makes her a natural and invaluable addition to The People’s Pier,” Marilynn Gardner, president and CEO of Navy Pier, said in a statement in the release. 

Johnson on Wednesday also praised Jaworski, calling her feisty, sharp, smart and “an incredible dresser.” He also asserted his administration would find a good successor and be able to navigate budget issues in the coming year without Jaworski. 

“We are not in this position of driving down violence and building more affordable homes than we’ve seen in a generation without smart, talented, competent, compassionate people in my administration,” Johnson said. “Jill’s going to do an incredible job for Navy Pier and we’ll be able to fill her shoes…I’m confident that we’re going to be able to find the right person, the right fit.”