June 18, 2014

Mayor Emanuel Names Michael Rendina as New Director of Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs (LCGA)

Sean Rapelyea Promoted to Deputy Director of LCGA

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today appointed Michael Rendina to be the City’s new Director of Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs (LCGA), a key office that serves as liaison with elected officials, government agencies and community organizations at the at the local, state and federal levels.

“Mike’s career as a fierce advocate for Chicagoans and his relationships in Springfield and City Council make him the perfect addition to our team,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I have had the pleasure of working with Mike for the past three years, and can’t think of a better person to lead our legislative and labor relations team as we continue our work to promote Chicago priorities.”

Rendina has served as the Chief Officer of Public and External Affairs at Chicago Public Schools for the past three years. Prior to his government service, he served in various roles on candidate and issue campaigns in Illinois and nationally. He was raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and earned his bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Politics from George Washington University in Washington D.C., where he also received his M.A. in Political Management. He lives in Lakeview with his wife and two children.

Sean Rapelyea has been promoted to Deputy Director of LCGA, filling the role of Micheal Ruemmler who recently left city government to serve as Campaign Manager for Mayor Emanuel’s reelection campaign. Rapelyea, who has served as a key liaison to the City Council since Mayor Emanuel took office, will now oversee the implementation of the Mayor’s legislative agenda, serve as point of contact for the appointed boards and commissions, and continue to work with City Council members as their liaison to City departments and sister agencies. Rapelyea grew up in the Baltimore, MD area and currently lives in Hyde Park.

Rendina replaces Matthew J. Hynes who is returning to the private sector after more than three years of government service in the Emanuel Administration and his work on the 2011 Mayoral campaign prior to that.

“Matt’s title of Senior Advisor and Director of LCGA doesn’t fully capture all of his contributions and commitment to the City of Chicago and my administration,” said Mayor Emanuel. “He has been on call 24-7 for the last four years and the City and I will forever be grateful for all of his efforts. Matt has been my trusted advisor and confidant since the days on the campaign and though he may be leaving City Hall, he will continue to be someone whose counsel I rely on.”

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