Austin Baidas

Austin Baidas is a Chicago-based finance and operations consultant with experience in both public and private sectors. In addition to having run for public office, Baidas was appointed to leadership roles at the US Department of Transportation during the Obama Administration and in Illinois State Government during Governor Quinn’s Administration. Prior to his government service, Baidas served as a chief executive in the environmental testing laboratory and manufactured housing business. Baidas earned a B.A. from Albion College in economics and management.

Baidas is active in his community, serving on the Howard Brown Health Board of Directors since 2017 and the Richard A. Baidas Scholarship Fund since 2006. Baidas previously served 8 years on the board of the Center on Halsted, playing a key role in developing the nation’s first LGBT senior housing apartments.