Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Jamie Rhee has announced her retirement, effective April 15, 2025. Rhee was appointed in 2018 and has been instrumental in overseeing significant projects at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports.
“Throughout her decades-long career, Commissioner Rhee embodied the best of public service, and she has left an indelible mark on our airports and our city,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Her work has improved the travel experience for hundreds of millions of visitors that will be felt for generations to come. Her unwavering commitment to diverse businesses of all types and sizes has opened countless doors for Chicagoans who have been shut out for far too long. I want to thank Commissioner Rhee for her tremendous service to our city and our people.”
Rhee expressed gratitude for her opportunities and pride in the progress made under her leadership. “I am eternally grateful for the opportunities that have been afforded to me and am extremely proud of the work that’s been accomplished to move our City and our airports forward,” she stated. “I would like to thank my team at the department of Aviation and my colleagues for their incredible dedication to public service.”
Under Rhee's leadership, over 100 million passengers were welcomed at Chicago’s airports in 2024. She led several major projects including modernizing Terminal 5 with additional space and gates, expanding Midway Airport's security checkpoint capacity, managing a significant concessions redevelopment program, reconfiguring O’Hare’s airfield which reduced system delays by 66%, and securing federal funding for terminal improvements.
Rhee began her aviation career as a Customer Service Foreign Language Assistant at O’Hare while studying law. Her career includes roles in the City’s Planning and Development Department, Department of Law, CDA as General Counsel, Deputy Chief of Staff under Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Chief Procurement Officer.
Rhee is recognized as a leader in aviation circles, serving on various national boards including Airports Council International – North America where she is Vice Chair, among other positions.