Biography of Stephanie D. Neely

Treasurer, City of Chicago

Stephanie D. Neely, a native Chicagoan who grew up on the Southside, brings to the Office of Treasurer of the City of Chicago more than 20 years of financial services experience with leading investment banking institutions. A former vice president at Northern Trust Global Investments, Ms. Neely was responsible for working with public and corporate pension funds. As an African-American woman, Ms. Neely created opportunities for minority and women-owned financial services firms by fostering relationships with Northern Trust and thereby helping them establish a foothold in the industry. Ms. Neely consistently draws on her work in the fields of asset management, municipal and corporate finance in her role as Treasurer of the City of Chicago.

Ms. Neely has a deep personal commitment to serving the City, and has brought a wealth of experience to the Office of the Treasurer. She is one of three citywide elected offices in City of Chicago government; the other two are Mayor and City Clerk. As Treasurer, Ms. Neely is responsible for investing a portfolio of approximately $7 billion while trying to ensure the best return for the citizens of Chicago. The City Treasurer’s Office is also responsible for developing and implementing programs that foster and promote the economic vitality of the City’s neighborhoods. Currently, the City Treasurer’s Office maintains programs that improve financial literacy for all Chicagoans and help strengthen small businesses by providing access to affordable capital. Finally, as Treasurer, Ms. Neely serves as a trustee on five public pension boards.

Ms. Neely holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Smith College and a Master’s of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business. She has served on the board of several civic and business organizations, including the Chicago Summer Business Institute, the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Securities Professionals, the Urban Prep Charter School, the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, the Adler School of Psychology and the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority.

Ms. Neely and her son live in the North Kenwood neighborhood and are members of Lawndale Community Church, located on the City’s Westside. She won a citywide municipal election in February 2007.