MarySue Barrett is a results-driven, high-energy strategist who combines an extensive network, inclusive collaborations, and cutting-edge communications to spur changes that make urban areas far more equitable and livable.
For the past 25 years, she was President of the independent Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC). Focused on the Chicago region, MPC has become a model for change makers everywhere. Its 2017 Cost of Segregation study attracted national attention as institutions grappled with centering equity in their decision making.
Barrett grew MPC four-fold and attracted a diverse, talented staff and Board that delivered bold, innovative solutions to complex problems spanning all aspects of the built environment: water infrastructure, transportation, affordable housing, tax policy, sustainability, and more.
Barrett enjoys applying her ability to inspire trust and foster strong community, government, and private sector partnerships. Some of her proudest accomplishments at MPC include the creation of the Museum Campus, a national Employer-Assisted Housing prototype, the Great Rivers Chicago vision plan, historic investments in the regional transit network, and growing a $4M gift from the MacArthur Foundation into a $16M organizational fund for its future.
Earlier, Barrett served as Chief of Policy for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. As the Administration’s “new ideas entreprenuer”, she spearheaded community economic development, public safety, and education policy. She also coordinated innovation teams spanning 40 departments and seven city agencies and built alliances with external partners in academia and foundations.
Barrett is frequently tapped as an advisor to corporate, philanthropic, and private sector leaders. In 2021, she completed two terms on the Board of IFF (a Midwest Community Development Finance institution) and continues as a Board member of Current Water, Edgar Fellows, and the Illinois Justice Project. She is also an active member and former Board Member with Leadership Greater Chicago and The Chicago Network. MarySue participates in the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago and volunteers with One Million Degrees and The Night Ministry.
Barrett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications at Northwestern University. She completed the Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management program at the Harvard Business School and Antiracism Training through Chicago ROAR. She is the mother of two college students, Jacob and Cassandra.
MarySue Barrett is a results-driven, high-energy strategist who combines an extensive network, inclusive collaborations, and cutting-edge communications to spur changes that make urban areas far more equitable and livable.
For the past 25 years, she was President of the independent Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC). Focused on the Chicago region, MPC has become a model for change makers everywhere. Its 2017 Cost of Segregation study attracted national attention as institutions grappled with centering equity in their decision making.
Barrett grew MPC four-fold and attracted a diverse, talented staff and Board that delivered bold, innovative solutions to complex problems spanning all aspects of the built environment: water infrastructure, transportation, affordable housing, tax policy, sustainability, and more.
Barrett enjoys applying her ability to inspire trust and foster strong community, government, and private sector partnerships. Some of her proudest accomplishments at MPC include the creation of the Museum Campus, a national Employer-Assisted Housing prototype, the Great Rivers Chicago vision plan, historic investments in the regional transit network, and growing a $4M gift from the MacArthur Foundation into a $16M organizational fund for its future.
Earlier, Barrett served as Chief of Policy for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. As the Administration’s “new ideas entreprenuer”, she spearheaded community economic development, public safety, and education policy. She also coordinated innovation teams spanning 40 departments and seven city agencies and built alliances with external partners in academia and foundations.
Barrett is frequently tapped as an advisor to corporate, philanthropic, and private sector leaders. In 2021, she completed two terms on the Board of IFF (a Midwest Community Development Finance institution) and continues as a Board member of Current Water, Edgar Fellows, and the Illinois Justice Project. She is also an active member and former Board Member with Leadership Greater Chicago and The Chicago Network. MarySue participates in the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago and volunteers with One Million Degrees and The Night Ministry.
Barrett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications at Northwestern University. She completed the Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management program at the Harvard Business School and Antiracism Training through Chicago ROAR. She is the mother of two college students, Jacob and Cassandra.