CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced the appointment of Stephen A. Skardon as the City of Chicago's Chief Risk Officer. Skardon served on Mayor Lightfoot’s campaign as its policy director and joined her administration as a senior advisor and counsel, where he worked on major initiatives including workers’ compensation reform, establishing the Chief Risk Officer position, and bringing a casino to Chicago. In addition, Skardon also served as the acting Chief Risk Officer, overseeing the city’s first-ever enterprise risk assessment. Throughout his career, Skardon has demonstrated a clear commitment to transparency and equity that will continue as he leads the Office of Risk Management.  

"Stephen has been a critical member within my administration and across the Office of Risk Management.,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “I’m excited to continue my work with Stephen in his new role as Chief Risk Officer as he continues to implement initiatives to protect the City of Chicago’s assets, operations, and employees.” 

Prior to entering public service, Skardon practiced law at several law firms in Chicago, where he represented domestic and international insurers in complex environmental insurance coverage disputes.  

“I look forward to further developing an enterprise risk management program that aligns with Mayor Lightfoot’s values and supports the City’s strategic objectives,” said Stephen Skardon. 

Skardon has a B.A. in Political Science from Ohio State University, a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law, and an LL.M. in Financial Services Law from Chicago-Kent College of Law.  

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