Title: Debt Manager
Firm: City of Chicago
Age: 35
Brendan White's journey into public finance is quite interesting despite his academic background in literature and poetry from the University of Chicago. Finance seems to be a family calling, with his mother being the co-president of Acacia Financial Group.
Although he remains involved in Chicago's literary scene, his passion for finance was solidified through two investment banking internships, ultimately leading him to a career in public finance.
White started his career as an investment banking analyst at William Blair in its now defunct public finance group before transitioning to the city of Chicago. As the city's debt manager, he thrives on problem-solving and also acts as the CFO's liaison to the City Council's Finance Committee.
"Most of my work is figuring out how to implement our capital plan," said White. Doing so, he wears a lot of different hats. "There's always something going on, whether it's improving water systems, managing our two airports, or stadium financing," he said. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was instrumental in securing an aviation refunding to support airline routes at O'Hare and Midway airports.
Since joining the city in 2017, shortly after Moody's upgraded its rating to investment grade, he has made significant contributions.
He is particularly proud of his involvement in establishing the Sales Tax Securitization Corporation (STSC). This special purpose refinancing vehicle has enabled the city to refinance lower-rated general obligation debt with higher-rated sales tax-backed debt. By designating STSC as social bonds, they became more appealing to retail investors, saving the city millions of dollars.
White was instrumental with the city of Chicago receiving The Bond Buyer's 22nd Deal of the Year award for its $1.7 billion financing of the city's inaugural social designated bond.
