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Michele Smith | |
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| Member of theChicago City Council from the 43rd ward | |
| In office May 16, 2011 – August 12, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Vi Daley |
| Succeeded by | Timmy Knudsen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1955-02-12)February 12, 1955 (age 70) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University at Buffalo (BA) University of Chicago (JD) |
Michele Smith (born February 12, 1955) is an American politician, who served as a member of theChicago City Council from 2011 to 2022. She represented the 43rd ward on Chicago's North Side, including much ofLincoln Park and a small portion of theNear North Side.
Smith earned a bachelor's degree in political science fromSUNY Buffalo in 1976, and a J.D. from theUniversity of Chicago Law School in 1979. After graduating from law school, she clerked for JudgeWilliam J. Bauer of theUnited States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit for two years and then joined theU.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago. During her time, she prosecuted over 400 narcotics, white-collar, and political corruption cases.[1] Beginning in 1989, Smith worked for theNavistar International Corporation, rising to General Counsel for the Engine Group.[2]
In 2008, Smith was elected to serve as Democratic Committeeman of Chicago’s 43rd Ward and was re-elected in 2012.[3]
In 2011, Smith ran for 43rd Ward Alderman and assumed office on May 16, 2011. She was re-elected in2015 and2019.
Smith resigned in August 2022, citing "deepening responsibilities toward family and friends."[4] On September 19, 2022, MayorLori Lightfoot announced she would appointTimmy Knudsen, chair of the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, to replace Smith, pending confirmation by the City Council.[5][6]
Smith sat on eight City Council Committees:[7]