RODRIGO A. SIERRA
(Northwestern)
Rodrigo is the chief communications officer and SVP of the American Medical Association.
He has served as a trusted advisor to the AMA’s CEO, presidents, and board, and his guidance elevated AMA’s brand and its relevance to healthcare. During COVID-19, Rodrigo navigated an attack on science, achieved AMA’s #1 ranking as the leading voice among healthcare associations, and secured a record $1.6B ad value. He serves as executive sponsor of the Latinx employee resource group, UNIDOS@AMA, and as a liaison to the AMA Foundation.
Additionally, Rodrigo is a founding member of Angeles Investors, a Midwest regional lead of the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA), and serves on the board and executive committee of Leadership Greater Chicago. He is also a member of the Page Society, the Economic Club of Chicago, the Executives’ Club of Chicago, and the Publicity Club of Chicago.
MORE ABOUT RODRIGO
Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised in La Puente, California, a suburb of Los Angeles.
How long have you lived in the Chicago market?
After spending 11 years in New York City, I moved to Chicago for two years, 32 years ago.
What is your absolute favorite thing to do in your area?
So many tremendous things about Chicago. But as spring and then summer come along, it’s all about the parks, the lakefront, and the neighborhood street fairs. So good!
Name your top five favorite local restaurants.
That’s a tough one but here goes: Brindille (best French restaurant and terrific date night spot); Jaleo and/or Bar Mar (both from my idol José Andrés); Nettare (brand new spot in Ukranian Village); Picollo Sogno (fantastic outdoor garden); Taqueria Chingón (fan-frickin-tastic!!!).
What’s a random fact you’ve learned about your market that you’d like to share with others?
Chicago’s a unique place steeped in neighborhoods (77 of them), ethnic groups, politics, sports, and music, and now art, food, and bars. But one thing is for sure, don’t mess with the locals. They’re proud and fierce.
JENNY LOPEZ RILEY
(UC Berkeley, Northwestern)
Jenny is the vice president of marketing and communications at APTIM.
She has over 20 years of strategic marketing, consumer research, and brand building experience. Prior to joining APTIM, Jenny served as associate director of marketing and communications at Elevate Energy, a non-profit organization, designing and implementing marketing strategies for energy and water programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most.
Committed to DEI and empowering women in the environmental industry, Jenny has served as committee chair of mentorship with the Chicago chapter of Women’s Energy Network, communications chair with Advancing Women in Energy, committee member of marketing for AESP, and with iMentor Chicago as a mentor for first-generation college students in low-income neighborhoods to create transformational outcomes.
MORE ABOUT JENNY
Where are you originally from?
Los Angeles
How long have you lived in the Chicago market?
26 years
What is your absolute favorite thing to do in your area?
Chicago is vibrant with life. There are so many restaurants to try and shows to see. When the weather is nice you will find me at the lakefront enjoying everything the city has to offer.
Name your top five favorite local restaurants.
Café con Leche, Rooh, Aba, Forno Rosso, Honeybear Café
What’s a random fact you’ve learned about your market that you’d like to share with others?
Chicago’s motto, urbs in horto or “city in a garden,” was adopted in the 1830s and alludes to the city’s impressive and historic park system. This is why I love being by the lakefront. You get to be part of it and see how beautiful this city is.
The Alumni Society seeks to further expand the City Club program to more markets in 2024 and beyond. Submit the form below to express your interest in being a City Club leader. Please note: City Club leaders must be members of The Alumni Society.
