CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS: Chicago, IL – Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago City Treasurer
Scope of work: Conyears-Ervin manages Chicago’s $11.1 billion investment portfolio, which generated $318.7 million in returns in fiscal 2023. She promotes diversity in finance, with more than 54% of trades executed through minority-owned firms, and advances financial literacy through citywide initiatives.
Biggest professional win: Since she became the first African American woman elected city treasurer in 2019, she’s launched a $75 million Catalyst Fund for Black-owned businesses and led divestment from fossil fuels, aligning city investments with environmental and equity goals.
Other contributions: Conyears-Ervin is on the boards of the Chicago Development Fund and Commission for Advancing Equity in Banking, and Eastern Illinois University’s advisory board.
