Judith C. Rice

Judith C. Rice is Senior Vice President/Head of Community Affairs & Economic Development for BMO Harris Bank, a major Chicago based bank which provides retail banking and corporate banking services to corporations, institutions, nonprofit and individual customers. BMO Harris is a community bank committed to building, strengthening and enhancing its customers and the communities which it serves. 

One of Ms. Rice's proudest accomplishments is serving as Treasurer for the City of Chicago.  She was elected City Treasurer of the City of Chicago on February 25, 2003. She held that office since her appointment by Mayor Richard M. Daley in November 2000.  The Office of the City Treasurer acts as the custodian and manager of all cash and investments for the City of Chicago.  It also serves as custodian and manager of short-term investments for the four City of Chicago and Chicago Board of Education pension funds.  In addition, the Office manages a number of programs that promote economic development and financial literacy.

Immediately preceding her appointment as City Treasurer, Ms. Rice served as the first women commissioner of two of the biggest infrastructure agencies in City of Chicago government.  From 1999 to 2000, she headed the Chicago Department of Transportation; prior to that, from 1996 to 1999, she was Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Water.

Earlier, Ms. Rice was managing Deputy Director, then Director for the Department of Revenue where she was instrumental in the complete overhaul of the City's parking tickets fine collection system.  She began her city career in 1989 as an Assistant Corporation Counsel.  From 1982 to 1989, Ms. Rice worked in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office where she rose from a Victim/Witness Assistant to Assistant State's Attorney.

Ms. Rice received her JD from John Marshall Law School in 1988 and was admitted to the Illinois Bar the same year.  She graduated Cum Laude in 1981 from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.

Ms. Rice is also very active in community affairs.  In addition to her work with UCAN, she sits on the boards of BBF Family Services, the March of Dimes, and the United Negro College Fund.