Sylvia Garcia

Sylvia Garcia has an extensive work experience spanning multiple industries and sectors. Sylvia is currently working as the Chief Operating Officer at The Chicago Community Trust, a role they assumed in 2023. Prior to this, from 2021 to 2023, they served as the Director at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Before that, Sylvia worked as a Principal Consultant at WSP USA from 2019 to 2021. In the same year, they also held a position as a Commissioner at the City of Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals from 2019 to 2020. Additionally, they briefly worked as the Transportation and Infrastructure Policy Lead at Better Together Chicago, the transition organization for Mayor-elect Lori E. Lightfoot, from April to May 2019.

From 2015 to 2018, Sylvia held a significant leadership role at the Chicago Transit Authority, serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff. In 2017 and 2018, they were a Fellow at Leadership Greater Chicago.

Their experience also includes roles in the U.S. Department of Transportation, where they served as Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs from 2012 to 2015, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget from 2011 to 2013. Prior to that, they worked as a Program Analyst from January to April 2011. Sylvia also worked as a Professional Staff member for the Committee on Appropriations in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 to 2011.

Sylvia's career began at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a Budget Analyst from 2006 to 2009.

Overall, Sylvia Garcia has a diverse and impressive background with extensive experience in leadership, budgeting, and policy in various government and private organizations.

Sylvia Garcia obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in RC Social Science from the University of Michigan, where they studied from 1999 to 2003. Following their undergraduate studies, they pursued a Master of Science (MS) degree in Public Service Management at DePaul University, which they completed between 2004 and 2006.