Suzet McKinney, a nationally recognized public health expert and medical executive, is the newest member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Gov. JB Pritzker recently appointed McKinney to the board. Pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate, she will fill the seat vacated by Donald Edwards for a term extending through Jan. 20, 2031.
Until recently the principal and director of life sciences at Sterling Bay, McKinney led collaborations across the scientific, academic, corporate, technology and government sectors. She previously served as the CEO and executive director of the Illinois Medical District, overseeing a medical research hub, biotech incubator, hospitals and more than 40 health care facilities.
“Public health is a critical aspect to a healthy society and a core element of the University of Illinois System’s service to the residents of our great state,” board Chairman Jesse Ruiz said. “Dr. McKinney brings not only deep expertise in public health but also a wealth of experience across multiple sectors, offering insights that will make invaluable contributions on our board. Her leadership and diverse background will strengthen our efforts to improve the quality of life for all Illinois residents, and we are thrilled to have her join us.”
U of I System President Tim Killeen echoed Ruiz’s comments.
“Dr. McKinney brings a prestigious, multifaceted background to this role, and I’m both thrilled that she is stepping up to serve the public in this capacity and thankful to Gov. Pritzker for such an outstanding selection,” Killeen said. “I look forward to working with and learning from Dr. McKinney, and to witnessing how her expertise contributes to the system’s governance and direction.”
McKinney’s public service contributions through the years include leading operations for the state’s alternate care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and serving as deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Response at the Chicago Department of Public Health.
She also serves on several boards, including as chair of the Chicago Urban League Board of Directors, member of Thresholds’ Board of Directors and board member of Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
A Chicago resident, McKinney earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University, a Master of Public Health from Benedictine University and a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago with a focus on preparedness planning, leadership and workforce development.
McKinney serves as an instructor in the Division of Translational Policy and Leadership Development at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health and previously served as adjunct assistant professor of health policy administration at the UIC School of Public Health. She also is a mentor for the Biomedical Sciences Careers Project at Harvard.
She is the co-author of the text “Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Practical Solutions for the Real World” and was named one of Chicago’s 50 Most Powerful Women in 2020 and among Chicago’s Notable Women in Health Care in 2018 and 2019.
McKinney has provided expertise to the news media on topics including health care disparities and racial inequities amplified by the pandemic; climate-related emergencies; biological and chemical threats; and natural disasters. She’s been featured on CNN, ABC, NBC Nightly News, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Crain’s Chicago Business and the Chicago Tribune.
