CHICAGO The Illinois Restaurant Association has named Sheila O'Grady as its new president. She formerly served as chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley and as first deputy commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development for the city.
She is a member of the board of directors for the Chicago Service Club, Chicago Gateway Green and SOS Children's Villages Illinois. Two years ago Crain's Chicago Business named her one of Chicago's 100 Most Influential Women. She holds a law degree from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate degree from the London School of Economics.
O'Grady replaces former president Colleen McShane, who resigned earlier this year after serving the association for 14 years to pursue other interests.