Tracey Payne proudly serves as Acting Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), overseeing the City Department that owns and operates O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Prior to her appointment as Acting Commissioner, she served as the CDA’s 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 in excess of $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. 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.