RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 16, 2023
Title
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners celebrating the life of Laurence Msall
Body
WHEREAS, born in Chicago in 1962, Laurence Msall was a devoted Illinois resident that was passionate about advocating for reform and fiscal responsibility. Captivated by politics, he was an eager participant in discourse concerning government budgeting; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Saint Ignatius College Prep High School in Chicago, Mr. Msall attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois where he earned a Bachelor of Art degree in anthropology and sociology; and
WHEREAS, following graduation, he was selected by Governor James R. Thompson to serve as an Assistant to the Director at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (now known as the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity); and
WHEREAS, in 1990, Mr. Msall became the Vice President of the Commercial Club of Chicago where he collaborated with various Chicago based corporations focusing on strategies for economic development. The projects completed under his tenure include the Chicago Bears stadium and the reorganization of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Msall was also a licensed attorney, having earned his Juris Doctor in 1992 from Loyola University School of Law; and
WHEREAS, in 1999, Mr. Msall returned to public service after being appointed to serve as a Senior Advisor of Economic Development by Governor George Ryan, where he oversaw eleven state agencies responsible for development and infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, in January of 2002, Mr. Msall became the President of the Civic Federation, an independent research organization that provides advice and consultation to government agencies throughout Chicago and Illinois related to economic accountability; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his other roles, Mr. Msall also served on the Board of Directors at the Woods Fund Chicago, the Civic Consulting Alliance, the Nominating Committee of the Cook County Health and Hospital Systems, and the Kennedy Forum Illinois. He was likewise on the Advisory Board of the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs and NPR’s ‘Illinois Issues’. Considered an expert for his knowledge and expertise, Mr. Msall often gave presentations at the City Club of Chicago, headlining seventeen times; and
WHEREAS, no matter what side of the debate he was on, Mr. Msall will be remembered as being a respectful and voracious proponent for change; 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 extend our condolences to the family of Laurence Msall; 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 the family of Laurence Msall.
Dated: February 16, 2023