Jay D. Doherty, Arts '75Increasing charitable and civic commitment is at the forefront of Jay’s mind. He serves as the president of the City Club of Chicago, a 113-year-old bipartisan civic organization widely recognized as Illinois’ premier public affairs forum.
Jay has led the transformation of the City Club of Chicago from what was a small forum into an organization with 2,000 members. The organization includes many of Illinois’ top opinion makers. Its events attract leaders from the Chicago-area government and business communities to discuss the region’s most pressing current issues with its members.
In addition, Jay has been involved with Special Olympics Chicago. In 2010 he received the Anne McGlone Burke Award, the highest honor given by Special Olympics Chicago and Special Children’s Charities, in recognition for his work with people with special needs.
Jay owns and operates his own public affairs firm in Chicago. Jay D. Doherty & Associates helps clients build and strengthen their relations with governments, communities and other businesses. His clients include Commonwealth Edison/Exelon, CBRE Group, AECOM USA Inc., IBM and Centegra Health System.
“I love my work because it combines business, charitable and civic leadership,” Jay says.
While at Marquette, Jay was elected in 1974 as the president of the student government. Through Rev. E. Corbett Walsh, S.J., he met U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, whom he worked with for more than 30 years.
Fun fact: Jay has a close relationship with the Kennedy family, joining Sargent Shriver’s presidential campaign in 1976. He is the family’s “point man” for fundraising and public appearances in Illinois.
