Tracey Payne Henry

Tracey L. Payne proudly serves as the Chief Administrative Officer/Managing Deputy Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). In this role, she manages the areas of Finance, Human Resources, Capital Finance, Government and Policy and Workforce Development. She also oversees a two-billion-dollar budget.

Prior to joining CDA, Tracey worked with the Chicago Department of Law for over 25 years, last serving as Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel. Her practice concentrated on airport financing, concessions, real estate, and safety and security matters.

Tracey’s commitment to serving the City of Chicago is unmatched. She has provided legal advice and counsel to several City of Chicago Departments throughout her tenure at the City of Chicago. In addition, she served as Deputy Commissioner in the Department of Buildings, responsible for a 5-million-dollar budget to implement and manage the Troubled Buildings Program. This program helped rid the City of Chicago of over 800 troubled and crime-infested buildings, resulting in the repair, restoration and new ownership of hundreds of buildings and the prosecution and fining of the building owners in excess of $1,000,000.00.

Tracey’s career path also led her to work as a Staff Attorney for the United Auto Workers- General Motors Legal Services Plan, where she practiced in the transactional and litigation areas. Tracey is passionate about promoting the power of innovation and creativity in every aspect of her career.

Tracey received her undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated. Tracey also enjoys Community Service and Mentoring the youth.