The University of Chicago Center for Effective Government (CEG) at the Harris School of Public Policy last week announced its 2025 class of Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) fellows—some of the area’s most promising government and nonprofit leaders—who make up the eleventh cohort of the Center’s prestigious interdisciplinary leadership development program.
The 2025 cohort includes fellows from nonprofit organizations, City of Chicago government, and Cook County government. They join a program that fuels an exchange of ideas across Chicago and Cook County that improves practices and civic outcomes while spurring greater collaboration and innovation across our institutions.
“When we select each Civic Leadership Academy cohort, we assemble a group of committed, knowledgeable practitioners who can learn from each other and collaborate to facilitate change in Chicago’s civic sector,” said William Howell, Director of CLA and the founding Director of CEG. “As the legitimacy of our institutions is called into question, it’s more important than ever for government to be responsive to the challenges facing its constituents. CLA advances more effective governance by elevating cross-sector discussion and empowering a community of civic leaders to enact reform.”
“Through the Civic Leadership Academy, I am excited to develop new strategies to tackle systemic challenges. I look forward to collaborating with leaders across sectors, gaining fresh perspectives, and enhancing my approach to partnership and problem-solving,” said Kathy Cullick, CLA 2025 cohort member and Director of North Lawndale Collaborative at Chicago CRED. “My goal is to use this experience to drive meaningful change, foster strong community connections, and implement sustainable solutions that address the root causes of violence. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to lasting transformation that promotes safety, equity, and opportunity throughout Chicago.”
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