Arnie Rivera

Arnie joins the Chicago Education Alliance as Executive Director, having come from Navy Pier, where he served as Chief Administrative and Equity Officer. At the Pier, he led strategic growth and operational initiatives that strengthened the organization’s impact and visibility. He directed marketing and communications strategies that elevated the Pier’s brand, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and helped lead a return to pre-pandemic attendance levels of over 8.5 million annual visitors. Arnie also guided the development and execution of the Pier’s new five-year strategic plan, ensuring that organizational goals were translated into actionable, research-based initiatives.

Prior to Navy Pier, Arnie served as Chief Operating Officer for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), overseeing day-to-day operations for the then third-largest public school system in the country. He managed 700 schools, modular buildings, annexes, and administrative offices; directed a $340 million nutrition program serving 62 million meals annually; and executed $2.5 billion in capital construction, the largest three-year outlay in district history. He also led critical divisions including student transportation, safety and security, information technology, and public affairs, and played a key role in negotiating multiple collective bargaining agreements with the Chicago Teachers Union.

Arnie’s leadership experience spans both the nonprofit and public sectors. He served as Senior Strategic Advisor for After School Matters, leading the organization’s growth strategy to serve more than 30,000 students, and as Deputy Chief of Staff for Education for the City of Chicago, guiding the City’s education policy agenda from cradle to career. He has also held senior roles with The Chicago Public Education Fund and multiple positions within CPS, including First Grade Teacher, Budget Director, Chief of Public Policy, and Deputy Chief of Staff.

Arnie serves as Chairman of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, having been initially appointed by Governor Pritzker in February 2023. He also serves on several boards and advisory committees across Chicago, including the Chicago History Museum.

Arnie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Science in Education and Social Policy, both from Northwestern University.