Polk Bros. Foundation congratulates Dr. Garth Walker on his confirmation as Chicago’s Commissioner of Public Health

Following his confirmation by Chicago’s City Council, Walker stepped down from Polk Bros. Foundation board of directors 

Polk Bros. Foundation congratulates Dr. Garth Walker on his confirmation as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. We are thrilled for him and for the City of Chicago, and we know his leadership, expertise and commitment to community will serve Chicago well. Walker continues a tradition of taking a health equity perspective in this central role that is so critical to the health of our city and the lives of local residents. 

Following his confirmation by the Chicago City Council, Walker has resigned from the Foundation’s Board of Directors. 

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Chicago as the next Commissioner of the Department of Public Health,” said Walker. “That responsibility comes with an obligation to avoid situations that could create competing responsibilities between my public service and participation on the Foundation’s Board, so concluding my Board service is the right decision for both the Foundation and the City. I have tremendous confidence in the Foundation’s new direction and look forward to seeing the impact of its work in communities across Chicago.” 

“We couldn’t be more excited for Garth or more confident in the leadership he’ll bring to Chicago,” said Cherryl T. Thomas, chief strategy officer of Ardmore Roderick, secretary of Polk Bros. Foundation’s Board of Directors and leader of the Board search process. “Garth’s decision to conclude his service on our Board reflects the values that guide our governance — integrity, accountability and trust. We wish him every success in this important role.”