North Shore stars who tried to bring the Olympics to Chicago.
Big dreams and grand plans. Make It Better appreciates their potential to make life better for individuals and communities. When smart people with big hearts work together, good things happen—even if the outcome isn’t what was originally anticipated.
The Olympic Bid will be a good example of this. The following North Shore residents, among many others, worked hard to bring the Olympics to Chicago. Though we didn’t earn that opportunity for 2016, the ideas, energy and connections that this group made will blossom in different forms.
We thank and celebrate them.
Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016, Winnetka
Ryan is the founding chairman and CEO of Aon Corp, the world’s largest insurance brokerage firm. Ryan says his years of business expertise, global relations and a great team allowed Chicago to put forth the solid, competitive bid that led the city to the “final four.”
“I’ve been an avid sportsman and fan my entire life and I know the positive impact sports can have on a child’s life,” Ryan says. “It [was] the legacy the games could leave behind that motivated me every day—that with the possibility of introducing sports to kids that might not otherwise have the opportunity.”
Ryan has enjoyed getting to know Olympians and learning about the Olympics, its values and impact on peace and harmony in the world.
Bob Accarino, Director of Environment, Chicago 2016, Evanston
Accarino is responsible for global environmental strategy and policy at Abbott Laboratories, where he develops company-wide strategy and programs, coordinating with various businesses.
Accarino was asked to identify some expert resources that could develop the environment plan for the bid. After evaluating various companies and making a recommendation, he asked to manage the effort on behalf of the bid.
“I have learned a lot about the high-quality environmental people and programs that exist in Chicago, I have had the opportunity to make a positive contribution on the bid and the environment, and finally, I have met and been inspired by Olympic and Paralympic athletes,” he says.
Wally Hayward, Senior Advisor, Chicago 2016, Kenilworth
Hayward is the founder, chairman and CEO of Relay Worldwide, one of the most trusted, awarded and influential branding agencies in the industry. His experience in Olympic sponsorships and sports marketing was critical in developing Chicago 2016’s corporate sponsorship model.
Hayward has been advocating for Chicago to host the Games ever since his first business experience with the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996. Hayward personally brought in new Olympic sponsors and developed plans that would deliver results for sponsors.
“After meeting with Pat Ryan, I was inspired to work with him and the great team he assembled at Chicago 2016 on this once in a lifetime opportunity to bring the greatest sporting event in the world to my hometown,” Hayward says. “I pride myself in creating game-changing opportunities.”
Lori Igleski, Director of Events, Volunteers and Accommodations, Glenview
Igleski brought a lot to the Olympic bid table after 20 years in the banking industry in a variety of roles, including business development, risk management, marketing and program management.
“I wanted to be part of a project, which was important to the city and allowed me to reconnect with the civic community in a meaningful way,” she says.
The opportunity to present some of her work to the IOC Evaluation Commission in March was a thrill for Igleski.
“Knowing that a project I led was being evaluated against the other candidate cities is something I never dreamed of,” she says. “We have opened other doors for Chicago, which will have a lasting impact on our city for years to come.”
While volunteering for the World Boxing Championships, Myers was asked to head up World Sport Chicago, the bid’s youth sport legacy. “I was drawn to World Sport Chicago because of the opportunity to create something original; something that could open up new opportunities and benefit Chicago youth,” Myers says.
Before becoming involved with Chicago 2016, Myers was a managing director at Accenture. He gained plenty of experience planning and managing projects during his 28 years there.
Myers is passionate about the games’ impact on Chicago youth and the example he’s setting for his own community. “We have given them the opportunities to get involved in new sports, meet Olympians and visit with kids from other countries,” he says.
The good news is that though the bid is lost, the effort to involve more kids in sports will continue.
“Even though we did not win the bid, World Sport Chicago will continue to promote the opportunities for kids in Chicago to participate in sports,” he says.
Sherr was a perfect fit for Chicago 2016: He’s been a three-time All-American wrestler at the University of Nebraska, a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, a winner of five consecutive wrestling titles—including a World Championship in 1985 and an Olympic bronze in 1988—and a coach at the university and world levels. It also didn’t hurt that he has more than 15 years of business and investment banking experience and currently works for an investment bank in Chicago.
“I have been involved in Olympic sport my entire life, so it was quite attractive for me to be involved in Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Scherr says. “Even though Chicago lost, I am happy for the movement to have a great host city for the Games. Rio De Janeiro is a world-class city and will do a great job hosting.”
For all the North Shore residents participating in ways large and small, the journey has been one of ups, downs and loads of adventure. These leaders in business and community forged ahead to put the city of Chicago on the map of the world. It’s no wonder our communities are bursting with innovation, fundraising masterminds and neighbors who really do make it better.
Thank you.
