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The Chicago Council on Global Affairs announced today that Leah Joy Zell and Samuel C. Scott III have been named co-chairs of its board of directors. They will succeed Glenn F. Tilton, who has served as chairman since 2015. Tilton will become Chair Emeritus, along with Lester Crown.

“It’s been an honor to serve the Council over these years of tremendous growth, and I am extremely proud of the work the Council has done to promote active US engagement in the world and to amplify Chicago’s presence as a global city,” said Tilton. 

"I want to thank Glenn for his extraordinary leadership during this transformative time for the Council, from opening our conference center to launching our signature Forum on Global Cities," said Ambassador Ivo H. Daalder, president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. "Leah and Sam are widely recognized business and community leaders who have made countless civic and philanthropic contributions to enhance Chicago and advance its global interests. They have both served on the board for many years and I'm thrilled to have their experience and leadership to continue propelling the Council forward."

Leah Joy Zell is the founding partner of Lizard Investors, a global small-cap equity investment firm. She has a national reputation as a pioneer in the field of international investing. Zell is a member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations, the Aspen Strategy Group, and the Global Advisory Council of Harvard University. She also is a Trustee of the American Academy in Berlin. Zell joined the Council’s board in 1998, serving as treasurer since 2004.

“I’m proud of the role the Council has played in giving Chicago and our region a voice in national and global affairs. I look forward to continuing and guiding the Council’s efforts to educate the public, business leaders and policymakers on the importance of an active US role in the world,” said Zell.

Samuel Scott is the retired chairman, president and chief executive officer at Corn Products International, Inc., now Ingredion. Scott has created valuable international networks and opportunities for Chicago’s people and businesses through his stewardship of Chicago Sister Cities International, and as a board member of World Business Chicago. He has served on the Council’s board since 2003.

A recognized civic and business leader, Scott has dedicated his career to elevating Chicago’s underserved population and to creating an inclusive and equitable region. In 2016, he was honored with the Council’s Global Leadership Award. His rousing acceptance remarks on the crisis facing the city’s African American Community led to the founding of Black Chicago Tomorrow. 

“This is a critical time in our country's history. As we see growing trends of isolation and division, the Council’s efforts to engage the next generation and find common ground for America’s continued engagement in the world is more important than ever. I'm honored and excited by the opportunity to help lead the Council as it pursues that essential vision,” said Scott. 
 

About The Chicago Council on Global Affairs 

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization that provides insight – and influences the public discourse – on critical global issues. We convene leading global voices, conduct independent research, and engage the public to explore ideas that will shape our global future. The Council is committed to bringing clarity and offering solutions to issues that transcend borders and transform how people, business, and governments engage the world.