THE BASICS
Name: Jamie L. Rhee
Title: Commissioner
Company, city: Chicago Department of Aviation; Chicago, Illinois
First job: I started working at The Deck, a truck stop off of I-80, when I was 16 years old.
Where to next: I have a 7-year-old daughter, so next up we’re taking her to one of the Disney parks for the first time!
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life?
Geena Davis; I really like her down-to-earth, graceful, funny, hometown demeanor.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
I have a law degree, so I’d be a lawyer. I was actually general counsel on the O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP), which allowed me to dabble in a little bit of everything. I loved law school; I’d do it 10 times over if I could.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
The American President because I loved all the characters and thought the drama was nicely done.
What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
I admire Josephine Baker’s bravery. I could sit and listen to her stories for hours.
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
I was with the airport in 2005 when the Federal Aviation Administration approved the O’Hare Modernization Program. After 16 years of construction, we are now done with runways and we’re mov- ing on to terminals. We’re modernizing terminals and turning Terminal 2 into a new global terminal. I’m also proud of our new coloring book, available at the airport, that complements the work of First Lady of Chicago Amy Eschelman. It was designed to spark interest in aviation careers among children traveling through Chicago’s airports.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
The people.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
I grew up in Geneseo, Illinois, about 2.5 hours from Chicago. The town was home to 5,000 and had one stop light. I always knew I would get out of there at some point, and at 17, I left home with everything I owned and moved to Chicago.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
Angela Gittens, the former CEO of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Miami International Airport
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare: I was locked in the bathroom on a Eurail train from Amsterdam to Paris.
Share a comical travel experience: In Spain, I spoke to someone in French for 30 minutes before we realized we were both Americans!
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? Planes
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? Here, at O’Hare Airport — I like to visit the terminals and ask for directions. I started at the airport as a customer service representative in 1994, and it’s important to me that we are welcoming at this gateway into our city.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 17, 2026Go from Lake to Lake in Lake Como, St. Moritz
This summer season, have a “Lake to Lake” experience with two of The Leading Hotels of the World’s loveliest properties: Il Sereno on the serene shores of Lake Como in Italy, and the elegant Kulm Hotel overlooking St. Moritz in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Global City Guidebook 2026
Jul 17, 2026Global City Guidebook: Athens, Greece
One of the most mesmerizing destinations in the world, the capital of modern-day Greece sits at the heart of what was once Ancient Greece. Known as the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens boasts a recorded history spanning 3,400 years. Here, ancient archaeological ruins coexist with modern urban design and innovation, great culture and gastronomy, and vibrant daily life, all amid incredible natural beauty and legendary sunlight in a perfect Mediterranean climate. Add top-notch hotel accommodations and the warmth of the Athenian people, and you’ll see why Athens makes an ideal city destination.
Daily
Jul 17, 2026Saint Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences Undergoes Renovations
Planning a trip to Saint Lucia this year? Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, a member of Leading Hotels of the World on Saint Lucia’s Labrelotte Bay, recently underwent a $40 million renovation with refreshing guest experiences leading the transformation.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
Daily
Jul 17, 2026Explore the Faroe Islands in a Self-Navigating Car on 15 New Routes
The Faroe Islands’ popular Auto Odyssey: Self-Navigating Car experience just expanded, meaning travelers can now choose from 45 locally curated itineraries guiding them to residents’ favorite, lesser-known corners of the islands.
New Tennessee Performing Arts Center Coming in 2030
Daily
Jul 16, 2026Daily
Jul 15, 2026Stradom House Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection Launches Spa Collaboration with Alexandra Soveral
Stradom House Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection recently launched a holistic wellness and spa treatment menu at its SÓL Spa in collaboration with London-based wellness practitioner Alexandra Soveral. The enhanced offering introduces an overall more immersive approach to wellbeing.
Sponsored Content
IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
Global City Guidebook 2026
Jul 15, 2026Global City Guidebook: Taipei
The capital of Taiwan, Taipei is home to nearly 2.5 million people and forms the core of the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area. A high-tech industrial hub, Taipei also imbues a sense of intrigue with its fusion of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences. The city contrasts Taoist temples, hot springs and traditional festivals with gleaming skyscrapers and bustling shopping districts.
ShareThis