Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the appointment of Juan Ochoa to the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Board of Directors. Ochoa is currently CEO of the Miramar Group – an international facilities management firm. He previously served as CEO of the MPEA from 2007 to 2010 and has been a longtime community leader.

“Juan Ochoa is the perfect fit for a board that is working to create an even greater economic impact that reaches across Chicago and the entire region, while attracting more visitors from across the globe,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Mr. Ochoa’s years of experience and commitment to public service will immediately benefit the MPEA as they continue to move forward with an aggressive job creation agenda.”

Prior to his time as CEO of MPEA, Ochoa served for 10 years as President and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, growing it from 52 members to more than 1,200 with a nearly $2 million budget. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry and is a combat veteran. Ochoa emigrated from Mexico as a child and later served as a community organizer in Chicago, helping thousands of people become U.S. citizens and raising funds for college scholarships.

The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Board consists of nine members: four appointed by the Mayor, four appointed by the Governor and a chair elected by the board members. Ochoa replaces Olga Camargo, who will be appointed by the Mayor to the Chicago Public Building Commission.

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