The Chicago Public Library Foundation has named a new CEO Wednesday, five months after the death of its former leader.
The foundation, which raises private funds for numerous programs and activities at city libraries, appointed Eva Giglio.
Giglio previously worked as a middle and high school Spanish teacher at Kenwood Academy. She later served as a deputy chief of staff under former Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice K. Jackson, where she helped lead the district’s five-year strategic plan and worked to safely reopen schools during the pandemic.
Most recently, she has worked as the executive director of the CME Group Foundation, one of Chicago’s leading education funders, where she directed an annual grantmaking budget of $6.7 million.
Giglio, who will begin her new job in August, was selected from more than 100 applicants.
“Early in the process, Eva stood out because of her strategic thinking, warm personality, and deep network,” said Michael Fassnacht, chair of the library foundation’s board. “She knows business leaders and education leaders and just understands and knows and loves Chicago.”
She will take over the foundation five months after the death of its previous CEO, Brenda Langstraat Bui, who died following a tragic accident at her home in the West Loop. She was 52.
“I knew Brenda,” said Giglio. “I feel it’s such an honor to carry on her legacy.”
Giglio, 39, grew up in Rogers Park before moving to Glenview as a kid. She attended Glenbrook South High School before studying teaching and Spanish at the University of Illinois. She lived in the city for many years before moving back to Glenview for family reasons.
Giglio, a mother of three who enjoys competing in triathlons in her spare time, plans to hit the ground running in August by working with the Chicago Public Library on a number of initiatives, including making sure the city’s public libraries offer a pathway for people to learn about and use artificial intelligence.
She also plans to focus on literacy. “We need a citywide strategy to improve growth and proficiency,” she said.
She also loves to read. She’s currently reading “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” — a work of fiction about two childhood friends who become creative partners in the video game industry.
She’s also reading “James and the Giant Peach” to her eight-year-old daughter.