Tracey Payne

Tracey L. Payne proudly serves as First Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the city-owned O’Hare and Midway International Airports with a combined staff of over 1900 employees. As First Deputy, she is responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the airports including financial and administrative oversight, operations, safety, security, and regulatory compliance, stakeholder relations, workforce development, and government relations. Prior to her appointment as First Deputy Commissioner, she served as the CDA’s Acting Commissioner and before that as Managing Deputy Commissioner/Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing day-to-day operational aspects of finance, payroll, workforce development, intergovernmental affairs, and professional development. In this role, she cultivated positive employee engagement through various initiatives to foster a culture of continuous learning and led a team that engages with all 50 City Wards through activities and education to support workforce development.

Before joining the CDA, she worked for more than 25 years with the Chicago Department of Law, where she last served as Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel. Tracey’s practice concentrated on airport financing, airport concessions, real estate, and safety and security matters for the airports.

Tracey’s commitment to serving the City of Chicago is unmatched. Throughout her tenure at the City, she has provided legal advice and counsel to several City Departments. In addition, she served as Deputy Commissioner in the Department of Buildings, where she was responsible for a $5 million 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, as well as the prosecution and fining of the building owners more than $1 million.

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 has a passion for promoting the power of innovation and creativity in every aspect of her career.

Tracey received her undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University and Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She serves as the Vice President of Aviation for The Chicago Chapter of AMAC and has served as or serves as a parliamentarian in various organizations. Tracey is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated. Tracey has a strong passion for outdoor activities, including gardening, fishing and walking. She is also dedicated to community service and takes great pride in mentoring the youth.