title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING THE TENURE AND RETIREMENT OF JEAN FRANCZYK
WHEREAS, Jean M. Franczyk has led the Chicago Botanic Garden since 2016, with a keen awareness that individuals turn to the natural world for restoration and respite; and
WHEREAS, a native Chicagoan, Jean Franczyk spent her childhood gardening alongside her mother, planting an early seed for her interest in the natural world; and
WHEREAS, Jean Franczyk earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, followed by her master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy; and
WHEREAS, Jean Franczyk worked as a part of the Mayor Richard M. Daley administration as well as the Chicago Board of Education as chief of staff; and
WHEREAS, Jean Franczyk joined the Garden after living in London for 11 years, where she was deputy director of the Science Museum with the United Kingdom’s Science Museum Group (SMG); and
WHEREAS, Jean Franczyk holds a firm belief that connecting with nature leads to a happier, healthier life; and
WHEREAS, Jean Franczyk goes to the natural world for renewal and reflection, and believes that the Garden provides visitors a place to decompress and explore; and
WHEREAS, Jean Franczyk was key in the passage of the Forest Preserve District’s 2022 referendum, noting how transformative the additional dollars would be for the health and wellness of the region; and
WHEREAS, Jean Franczyk remained dedicated to ensuring the Chicago Botanic Garden is a space of scientific exploration by expanding plant science conservation work; and
WHEREAS, during Jean Franczyk’s tenure, the Chicago Botanic Garden celebrated their 50th anniversary “Flourish: The Garden at 50” where visitors were invited to connect with nature through interactive experiences within the Garden; and
WHEREAS, Jean Franczyk illuminated the Garden with the inception of Lightscape, an enchanting 1.3-mile trail of lights, sound, and imagination during the holiday season; and
WHEREAS, Jean Franczyk oversaw the completion of major projects that are now cornerstones of the Chicago Botanic Garden campus, including the Regenstein Learning Campus, the Welcome Plaza, and the Stone Family Picnic Glade; and
WHEREAS, Windy City Harvest, Chicago Botanic Garden’s urban agricultural program, blossomed with Jean Franczyk’s stewardship; and
WHEREAS, under Jean Franczyk’s expert guidance, the Chicago Botanic Garden solidified its world-class reputation as one of the world’s largest and most popular botanic gardens, hosting 1.2 million visits a year and fostering an atmosphere of belonging for all visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby honor and celebrate Jean Franczyk upon her retirement for her decade of exceptional leadership and dedication to the Chicago Botanic Garden and its patrons; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to Jean Franczyk as a means of conveying our gratitude and appreciation for her years of committed service. end