Major Lori E. Lightfoot announced a new key appointment to her senior leadership team. Manuel (Manny) Perez is now Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs, becoming the Hispanic with the highest executive position in the City of Chicago.
As Deputy Mayor for IGA, Perez will shepherd the Mayor’s policy agenda in City Council, Springfield and Washington D.C.
Perez will oversee significant facets of the Mayor’s administration and top priorities, including local and federal policy as well as meaningful engagement with all of Chicago’s diverse communities.
The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) applauds and celebrates Mayor’s Lightfoot decision.
“Our commitment to grow our city and expand opportunity in communities that have experienced generational disinvestment demands that we draw from a diverse and dynamic set of voices and talents,” said Mayor Lightfoot.
Manny is a public servant who not only embody those values, but also bring incredible energy, deep experience, and the vast institutional knowledge needed as we face a critical juncture in our city’s history, and work to lay the foundation for our shared future.”
Manuel Perez brings years of experience in Chicago government and politics.
Perez started his work with the administration as the Managing Deputy Director for the Mayor’s Office Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) team.
Prior to joining the administration, Perez led a variety of local, state and federal campaigns, including Mayor Lightfoot’s run for Mayor in 2019 and Illinois Congressman Jesús “Chuy” Garcia’s successful run for Congress in 2018.
Additionally, Perez has held a variety of roles within the Cook County government, serving as the Special Assistant to the President of the County Board, Chief of Staff of the County Clerk, and Chief of Staff to then-Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” Garcia.
A Chicago native, born to Mexican immigrants, Perez grew up in neighboring Cicero, Illinois. He graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in History and currently lives in the Pilsen neighborhood.