RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 1, 2022
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners expressing our gratitude to Commissioner Chakena D. Perry
Body
WHEREAS, on January 5, 2022, Chakena D. Perry was appointed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to fill a vacancy on the Board of Commissioners for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District); and
WHEREAS, prior to being appointed as a commissioner, she was employed in Commissioner Josina Morita’s office as an Administrative Assistant to Commissioner Secretary where she co-supported various initiatives including the Million Gallon Challenge, the Asian Carp Challenge, and Asian Lunar New Year’s events; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Perry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut and a certificate in public policy and social action. She later graduated with Master of Arts degree in public policy from the University of Chicago. Commissioner Perry was a recipient of the Posse Full-Tuition Leadership Scholarship and a scholar at the Chicago Scholars program; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure at the District, Commissioner Perry has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to equity in economic development, environmental justice, and fighting climate change throughout Chicago and Cook County. She has worked tirelessly to advance green infrastructure and clean energy initiatives; and
WHEREAS, while serving on the Board, Commissioner Perry was heavily involved in public engagements and speaking to constituents about the District’s mission, most notably, serving as a featured speaker for President Joseph R. Biden’s Building a Better America event and as a featured panelist for the 3rd annual InfraDay Conference, hosting workshops with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and participating in numerous community partnerships and events to promote recycling, canopy restoration, protection of the monarch butterfly, and water education; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Perry is recognized as an independent-thinker who is not afraid to represent those without a voice. She has a deep-rooted passion for civic engagement, women’s rights, and voting rights advocacy. Commissioner Perry is a kind and compassionate person with a great sense of humor; and
WHEREAS, before joining the District, Commissioner Perry served as deputy press secretary for the Chicago Public Schools; president of the Chicago Votes Action Fund; and chairwoman of the Cook County Young Democrats. Commissioner Perry is currently a board member of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and the co-founder of Black Millennial Renaissance; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Perry has received several awards including the Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s Community Highlight award; the Posse Foundation’s Ainslie Alumni Achievement award; the WE Will “Young Woman of the Year” award; the Chicago Scholars “35 under 35” leadership award; and the Quad County Urban League’s Women’s Empowerment award; and
WHEREAS, the District is proud of Commissioner Perry and wishes her all the best in her future endeavors; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby express our gratitude to Commissioner Chakena D. Perry for her thoughtful leadership and dedication to the District and the residents of Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Commissioner Chakena D. Perry.
Dated: December 1, 2022