Jonathan McGee is a former IL State Government Executive, Civic Leader, Economic Developer, and current Senior Consultant at Baker Tilly US in the Development and Community Advisory practice, specializing in equitable economic development. With over 8 years of non-profit, public sector, and social impact experience, he recently served as a political appointee in Governor JB Pritzker's Administration as Director for the Office of Business and Workforce Diversity at the Illinois Department of Transportation. Previously, he was appointed as Director of Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity where he led a team of economic development leaders who drove business attraction, expansion, and retention efforts. Jonathan has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Law Enforcement, holds a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management degree from The George Washington University, and a Masters of Business Administration from the Loyola University Chicago. He was recently named Chicago Defender's Man of Excellence in 2021, and WVON 40 under 40 Honoree in 2022.

Statement:

I believe authentic equitable impact in the construction sector begins with serving the diverse contractors and developers who have been directly impacted by systemic inequity and ensuring that they reach parity. No matter a business' socioeconomic status or geographical location, all minority enterprises should have access to upward social and economic mobility. My personal narrative and social purpose embody the mission of the Chicago Build Expo, which is to cultivate the next generation of innovative social changemakers, who not only thrive in this evolving construction landscape, but also shape it.