Andrea Sáenz

Andrea Sáenz is the President & CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, one of the nation’s largest and oldest community foundations.

Under her leadership, the Trust is committed to fostering a stronger and more prosperous Chicago region where access to opportunities transcends race, ethnicity, or zip code. This mission is both professionally fulfilling and deeply personal for Sáenz, who has dedicated her career to reimagining civic institutions to better serve all community members. Prior being appointed President and CEO in 2022, she served as the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer.

Sáenz’s previous leadership roles include her work for the Chicago Public Library, where she led transformational efforts to redefine the role of libraries for a digital age. She also led local and national efforts to improve education systems at Chicago Public Schools, the U.S. Department of Education, and community-based organizations focused on increasing Latine career success. 

Recognized as one of Chicago’s influential leaders, Sáenz was featured on Crain’s Chicago Business’ “Who’s Who in Chicago” list and its inaugural “Women of Note” list in 2023. She was named one of Chicago’s 25 Most Powerful Latinos by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2019. Her extensive board service includes the Economic Club of Chicago, National Louis University, American Civil Liberties Union, Chicago Public Education Fund, and Chicago Public Library Foundation. She is a Leadership Greater Chicago fellow since 2009 and serves as an advisor for the Center for Effective Government at the University of Chicago. Sáenz has received honorary doctorates from Dominican University and Lake Forest College. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from Scripps College.

She lives in the Hyde Park neighborhood with her husband, daughter, and cats.