December 13, 2018
On December 13, 2018, the Motorola Solutions Foundation and the Civic Federation honored the outstanding public service of Jamie Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation. The annual Motorola Solutions Foundation Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes a non-elected government official who has had an extraordinary impact on the quality of state and local government services in Illinois.
Business, civic and government leaders from across the State of Illinois and Chicago region attended the awards breakfast at the Palmer House Hilton Grand Ballroom to recognize Ms. Rhee’s outstanding public service accomplishments.
Following brief remarks from Civic Federation President Laurence Msall and Chairman Monica Mueller, Chicago Tonight host Eddie Arruza gave the salutation address highlighting the importance of public service. Honorary event co-hcair Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner congratulated Commissioner Rhee and added his own thoughts on the value of public service. Matt Blakely, Executive Director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, introduced Ms. Rhee, discussed her many civic accomplishments and presented the award. The presentation included a video tribute from local government officials and civic leaders.
In her acceptance speech, Commissioner Rhee emphasized the importance of promoting economic opportunity for all Chicagoans and detailed the many initiatives she has been a part of that made City business more inclusive of marginalized communities and populations. She thanked Mayor Daley and Mayor Emanuel for their guidance and support. She also expressed gratitude to her husband, family and staff.
The 2018 Excellence in Public Service Award was an aerial survey of O’Hare Airport conducted December 5, 1961.
