CHICAGO — The former head of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority has joined Chicago Treasurer Kurt Summer's office.
Kristi Lafleur joined the office as deputy treasurer and chief operating officer, Summers announced on Aug. 24. The office also announced the hiring of Miriam Martinez for the position of chief investment officer.
Lafleur will oversee day-to-day operations and serve as a senior advisor on key initiatives such as a neighborhood and infrastructure investment plan and a pension fee savings initiative. Martinez previously served as chief investment officer at the New York State Insurance Fund.
"Kristi and Miriam bring invaluable experience in operations and investments from both the public and private sectors and I am thrilled to have them join our team," Summers said. "Kristi is a proven leader, having had great successes at the tollway and throughout her professional career. Miriam has substantial experience implementing large-scale public investment programs and has already enhanced returns on our portfolio to benefit taxpayers."
Lafleur, picked by former Gov. Pat Quinn to run the tollway authority in 2010, resigned as executive director after new Gov. Bruce Rauner installed his own selection, Greg Bedalov, who had led DuPage County's economic development arm. Lafleur was responsible for managing the agency's day-to-day operations, overseeing its $1.17 billion annual budget and implementing the agency's ongoing $12 billion capital program.
