Best Wishes to outgoing Chair Theresa Enright Olsen

Theresa Enright Olsen join ChicagoFIRST at its beginnings in 2003. She took her first leadership position in 2014 as a Director of the Board. In 2016 she became the Board Vice Chair and the Board Chair from 2019 to present. She has helped forge ChicagoFIRST into the amazing organization it is today and her leadership will be missed. Her message to membership is below. Please join us in wishing her the best in her new ventures.

May 28, 2021

ChicagoFIRST Board of Directors and Membership,

Just a short 19 years ago, I had the privilege to be part of the grassroots coalition that worked to form ChicagoFIRST in 2003.  Since that time, I’ve had the honor to represent ChicagoFIRST as a general member in addition to serving on the Board in several roles, and currently as the Executive Chair. 

It is with much mixed emotion that I am writing to you today to resign my position from the Board, effective June 11, 2021. 

My husband has been working in Marseille, France for the last 1 ½ years and I will be moving there to join him.

During my tenure with ChicagoFIRST, this organization that started with an emphasis on the resilient needs of firms in the financial sector has grown to 33 member firms strong, and now represents multiple sectors.  Our service offerings and working groups for members have expanded and matured as new threats and risks emerge. And, ChicagoFIRST continues to be relevant as a thought leader and model for Public Private Partnerships.

I am so incredibly proud to have been part of such a first-class organization and work with so many talented, dedicated and passionate individuals.  While it’s difficult for me to say goodbye, it’s all these qualities that I know will keep ChicagoFIRST thriving and striving for years to come.

Sincerely,

Theresa Enright Oleson