Rosemarie Andolino will resign as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation later this summer.
The Chicago native, who has held the role since 2009, has overseen the $8 billion modernization of Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), much of which is aimed at reconfiguring and adding runways to address chronic delays.
She gained a national reputation for her work on sustainable issues and sparred with noise activists frustrated over a perceived lack of attention to their needs. The airport also is in the midst of a concessions overhaul; she recently helped unveil the highly anticipated acclaimed renovation of ORD’s Terminal 5, where much of the airport’s international flights originate.
Her job also entails oversight of Midway (MDW).
The news of her resignation plans was broken by the Chicago Sun-Times, which indicated that Andolino and Mayor Rahm Emanuel have had a much more tense relationship than Andolino had with previous Mayor Richard M. Daley.
Emanuel, however, praised Andolino’s work in a statement obtained by ARN.
“When I took office in 2011, I asked Rosie Andolino to stay on as aviation commissioner, as she has accomplished a great deal for Chicago’s airports during her tenure,” Emanuel says. “She recently informed me that after serving for 14 years at the airport and 25 with the city, she wants to step down this fall to pursue new opportunities outside of government. Chicago is grateful for her service and I wish Rosie well in her future endeavors.”
Andolino has been in public service for more than 20 years in various city departments. Todd Hauptli, president and CEO of American Association of Airport Executives, says her presence extended beyond Chicago.
“In addition to compiling a remarkable record of success in Chicago during her tenure as commissioner, Rosie has been an important leader in the airport industry, helping guide the federal affairs agenda for AAAE and other groups in Washington,” he says. “She has played a very active role with AAAE while simultaneously managing one of the world’s busiest airports, which is a testament to her commitment to the industry. I am also personally very grateful for her friendship.”
