George Wright became the CEO of The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership in June 2023. Wright comes to the role after a distinguished career in banking and community investment and after serving as the co-chair of The Partnership’s Board of Directors since 2015.  In April, he stepped down from The Partnership Board and retired as director of community relations for Citibank’s Global Consumer Group. As director of community relations, Wright led all aspects of Citi’s community development portfolio in Illinois and across the Central Region. In addition to his service on The Partnership Board, Wright has served as Board Chair of Accion Chicago and the Center for Economic Progress, as well as the Greater Englewood CDC.  In addition, he is the recipient of numerous community leadership awards, including the James Sills Community Reinvestment Act Leadership Award, the YMCA Black / Hispanic Achiever in Industry Award, the Englewood “Maker of Men” Award, 100 Black Men Leadership Award, the Chicago Defender “Man of Excellence” Award, Executive of the Year for AFP and Chicago “Community Change Maker” Award. Wright received his BS degree in Psychology from St. Joseph’s College and did his graduate studies at Illinois Institute of Technology. 

They are scheduled to appear in conversation with CJC CEO Dr. Lisa Bly-Jones, discussing the state of workforce development in the city and what the city is working on to create equitable career pathways for Chicago youth.