We Cultivate Meaningful Connections

Complex challenges require bold ideas and partnerships. By harnessing the power of connection among leaders from corporate, public and nonprofit sectors, we build bridges that enable innovative, collaborative action for a stronger Chicago.

Leadership Greater Chicago is where civic-minded leaders from the private, nonprofit and public sectors come together to take on the region’s toughest challenges. Through deep collaboration and real action, we spark conversations that matter, forge lifelong connections and develop true changemakers poised to shape Chicago’s future—because lasting impact happens when all sectors are at the table.

Our Programs

Signature Fellows Program

The Signature Fellows Program is a yearlong civic leadership development program that immerses participants in the major socioeconomic issues facing the Greater Chicago region. Using the city as a classroom, cross-sector, mid-career professionals learn through interactions with private, public and nonprofit decision-makers, and work as a group to develop critical thinking, analytical, governance and leadership skills. By applying to be a part of this transformative program, you could join an influential and committed network of over 1,400 Signature Fellows driving positive change.

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Our Programs

The Daniel Burnham Fellowship

The Daniel Burnham Fellowship® is a six session, fast-tracked civic immersion program designed for senior executives ready to leverage their roles as decision makers to shape Chicago’s future. This invitation-only fellowship is designed to urgently impact the region’s economic progress and workforce development efforts and support newly relocated or promoted executives in the Greater Chicago region. With nearly 200 Daniel Burnham Fellows, this program continues to foster a powerful network of leaders dedicated to making a lasting impact.

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Our Programs

LGC Leadership Series

This off-the-record discussion series is designed to educate professionals from all sectors on a spectrum of socioeconomic issues impacting the region and create an empowered community that will drive unity and positive change. Featuring a new theme and dynamic line up of speakers each year, Fellows and guests of Leadership Series Sponsors are exclusively invited to attend.

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OUR FELLOWS

Meet Our Current Class and Cohort

The LGC Signature Fellows Class 2025
The LGC Signature Fellows Class 2025
The Daniel Burnham Fellowship 2025
The Daniel Burnham Fellowship 2025
From Our Fellows & Partners
For me, the LGC experience…is a real boot camp in terms of learning about the community and the issues facing the city.Austan Goolsbee (LGC Fellow since 2007)
Austan Goolsbee (LGC Fellow since 2007)
This program will change your leadership trajectory. It did mine.Andrés Tapia (LGC Fellow since 2008 and Daniel Burnham Fellow)
Andrés Tapia (LGC Fellow since 2008 and Daniel Burnham Fellow)
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago supports the LGC Leadership Series because it gives our employees the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the issues facing Chicagoland and what can be done to address them. It is also a great networking opportunity for employees.Cedric D. Thurman (LGC Fellow since 2008 and Daniel Burnham Fellow) – FHLBank Chicago
Cedric D. Thurman (LGC Fellow since 2008 and Daniel Burnham Fellow) - FHLBank Chicago

Our LGC Fellows Network

We support lifelong civic engagement and collaborative activation among our over 1,400 Signature Fellows and nearly 200 Daniel Burnham Fellows through our exclusive online networking platform. Here, Fellows can connect and collaborate on socioeconomic topics across industries, beyond program years, and more.

Fellows Login