Leslie Fields

Leslie Fields is a problem solver. As Director of Policy for Governor Pat Quinn, she tackles all of the high-profile issues impacting Illinois. She leads the strategic development of policies and all messaging by collaborating with experts on these issues, examining best practices, and looking at the ways other states handle similar challenges and opportunities. She came to the position after doing the same thing for Chicago Public Schools, where she navigated the teacher strike and the collective bargaining agreement, the new teacher evaluation system and more.

“Leslie has thrived in the crossfire, attacking some of the most complex, high profile issues facing both the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago,” said Whitney Skibell, Leslie’s close friend and collaborator who nominated her for this year’s list. When she’s not taking the lead on major policy decisions of enormous consequence, Leslie still manages to give back, primarily through tutoring young students and encouraging them to identify the issues that they believe matter.

Name:
Leslie Fields

Age:
31

Pays the bills:
Director of Policy, Office of Illinois Governor

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
I like being challenged and I like to solve problems.

Celebrity doppelganger:
If I were to flatter myself, I would like to think Jennifer Garner.

How do you Jew in Chicago?
I've tried a little bit of everything. I really like the Bagel.

Passions:
Working out, reading, traveling, reading

How do you give back?
Volunteering, tutoring, encouraging others, particularly young people, to become more engaged in issues that are important to them.

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
Be doing what I'm doing now—I know, not too exciting of an answer.

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
Even more mobilized and engaged in solving problems that are important to the community.

Me in 10 years:
More engaged in solving problems that are important to me.