McSherry Cindy

First Last Name

Executive Director, Urban Land Institute’s Chicago District Council

Cindy McSherry is the Executive Director of the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Chicago District Council.  As one of the most respected sources for broad, objective information on urban planning, growth, and development, ULI relies heavily on the experience of its global membership to provide leadership in the responsible use of land. Drawing upon this deep knowledge, ULI Chicago’s 1,400+ members have been instrumental in building the District Council’s cornerstone program of technical assistance services providing sustainable, creative solutions for challenging land development issues, often in communities with limited resources and capacity. A hallmark of ULI Chicago’s program under Ms. McSherry’s leadership is engaging local community members and municipal leaders where they are at; having conversations that lead to an understanding of how people live, work and relax; the challenges they face; and, the aspirations they have. Using this understanding as a framework, ULI Chicago’s technical assistance program develops recommendations grounded in reality. As a result of partnering with the City of Chicago, neighborhood leaders, and suburban municipalities, ULI Chicago has grown a valuable network bringing industry knowledge and connections together to form new partnerships. Recognizing her contribution to the field, Ms. McSherry serves as a National Advisor for other ULI District Councils across the country seeking to launch or strengthen technical assistance programs in their regions.  With over 30 years in the not-for-profit sector, Ms. McSherry has a broad understanding of management and growth issues and how organizations develop into productive, effective catalysts for change.