The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Tom Ricketts, Executive Chairman of the Chicago Cubs and Chairman of InspereX, has been selected as the 34th recipient of the Daniel H. Burnham Award for Distinguished Leadership. He will be honored at the 34th Annual Daniel H. Burnham Award Dinner, presented by CIBC, on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Since its inception, the Burnham Award has celebrated civic-minded leaders whose efforts help shape Chicago into a thriving city for business and community. Now in its 34th year, the award honors individuals whose commitment to civic involvement exemplifies the vision of Chicago’s famous urban planner Daniel H. Burnham.
Leadership of the Chicago Cubs
When Tom Ricketts led his family’s bid for the Chicago Cubs in 2009, they inherited a franchise rich in tradition but in need of renewed direction. Ricketts articulated three pillars of their ownership:
1. Win a World Series.
2. Save and preserve Wrigley Field.
3. Be a good neighbor.
By any measure they’ve achieved these goals and continue to commit their efforts for sustained success on and off the field.
Under his stewardship, the Cubs modernized their operations, invested in player development, and built a foundation for lasting competitiveness. This effort culminated in the historic 2016 World Series championship, ending a 108-year drought and uniting the city in celebration. Ricketts’ leadership in building a sustainable organization was recognized nationally when he was named Sports Business Journal’s Executive of the Year in 2017.
Today, the Cubs remain one of Major League Baseball’s most stable and well-regarded franchises, blending success on the field with a commitment to fans and community off the field.
Transforming Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville
Saving Wrigley Field was perhaps more challenging than ending the 108-year championship drought. Ricketts and his executive leadership team created Marquee Development, which oversaw the ambitious $1 billion privately-funded renovation of Wrigley Field and the collateral land around the ballpark. Known as the “1060 Project,” this initiative preserved the stadium’s historic character while updating infrastructure, player facilities, and fan experiences to meet modern standards. The revitalization, completed without public funds, has been lauded as one of the most significant preservation projects in professional sports.
Beyond the ballpark, Ricketts helped transform the surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood into a year-round destination. The creation of Gallagher Way established a vibrant public gathering space for concerts, markets, festivals, and family-friendly activities. The development has made the neighborhood a model for mixed-use spaces that serve both residents and visitors. Wrigley Field remains one of the state’s top tourist attractions.
In addition to expanding the Cubs’ front office capabilities and starting Marquee Development, Ricketts and family launched the Marquee Sports Network and Marquee Ventures, ensuring the Cubs are positioned for both athletic and business success.
Charitable Initiatives
In addition to creating a Lakeview community asset in Gallagher Way, Ricketts and family made Cubs Charities a central focus of their commitment to being good neighbors and extending that commitment to the entire city of Chicago. Since 2009, Cubs Charities has invested more than $53 million in youth sports and education programs in all 77 Chicago neighborhoods.
Business Innovation and Financial Leadership
Before leading the Cubs, Ricketts made his mark in the financial sector. He founded Incapital, now InspereX, in 1999, reshaping the fixed-income market by expanding access for individual investors. His pioneering work earned him multiple recognitions from Institutional Investor Magazine and Ernst & Young’s 2010 Midwest Entrepreneur of the Year Award. His blend of entrepreneurial vision and financial discipline continues to influence his leadership across both business and civic spheres.
Broader Civic Engagement
Beyond the Cubs, Ricketts lends his expertise to some of Chicago’s most important civic and cultural organizations. He serves on the boards of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Field Museum, Meijer Inc., NorthShore University HealthSystem, Choose Chicago, the Economic Club of Chicago, and the Executives’ Club of Chicago. His involvement reflects a commitment to supporting institutions that advance education, science, tourism, and economic vitality in the region.
The 34th Recipient
Tom Ricketts exemplifies the standards of the Daniel H. Burnham Award: blending visionary leadership with inclusive, impactful civic advancement. His dedication to preserving Chicago’s heritage while shaping its future through equitable development, sustainability, and community service speaks to the very heart of what makes our city exceptional.
Join the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce on November 17, at the Burnham Award Dinner to celebrate this milestone and recognize Tom Ricketts’ unparalleled contributions to building a stronger, more vibrant Chicago.
Join the Chamber in Honoring Tom Ricketts on November 17
On November 17, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce will honor Tom Ricketts, Executive Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, with the Daniel H. Burnham Award for Distinguished Leadership in recognition of his outstanding contributions to our community.In addition to expanding the Cubs’ front office capabilities and starting Marquee Development, Ricketts and family launched the Marquee Sports Network and Marquee Ventures, ensuring the Cubs are positioned for both athletic and business success.