Chicago 2016 Names Martin Nesbitt To Board of Directors

CHICAGO (March 3, 2009)-Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan announced today that Martin Nesbitt has been named to the bid committee's board of directors. Nesbitt will replace Valerie Jarrett who stepped down when she assumed the role of Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison.

"Valerie was an integral part of the bid leadership team, and we congratulate her on her well-deserved role within President Barack Obama's administration," said Ryan. "Marty is a welcome addition to our team, and I look forward to working with him as we move into the final stages of the bid process."

Nesbitt is president and CEO of The Parking Spot, an owner and operator of off-airport parking facilities. As founder of the company, Nesbitt is responsible for all strategic and operating aspects of the company. Prior to this role, Nesbitt was a vice president of the Pritzker Realty Group (PRG), the real estate group for Pritzker family interests. Nesbitt is currently a trustee of Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, the chairman of the board of commissioners of the Chicago Housing Authority and a member of the University of Chicago Laboratory School Board. He recently served as national treasurer of Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

"I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Chicago 2016 Board of Directors," said Nesbitt. "This is an exciting time in Chicago's history, and I'm eager to work with Chicago 2016's leadership team to present the city to the world as we pursue the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

"I was proud to serve on the board of Chicago 2016 since the inception of the bid, and I am confident that Marty will be a true asset in bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Chicago," said Jarrett. "While I must leave the board because of my new responsibilities, I will continue, along with the President, to be an ardent supporter of Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

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About Chicago 2016
Chicago 2016 is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee's board comprises business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as chairman and CEO.

Tags: Board of Directors, Chicago 2016, Martin Nesbitt