Karen Tamley

Karen Tamley was named Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) by Richard M. Daley and reappointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in May of 2011. MOPD promotes the full inclusion of people with all types of disabilities and strives to make Chicago the most accessible city in the nation. In her role as Commissioner, Ms.Tamley leads disability policy and accessibility initiatives in the areas of transportation, city infrastructure, emergency planning, education, technology, and employment. She also oversees the delivery of independent living services such as in-home supports, residential accessibility modifications, home delivered meals and employment services to thousands of youth and adults with disabilities. In 2015 the Civic Federation and Motorola Solutions Foundation awarded Commissioner Tamley the “Excellence in Public Service Award” and Leadership Greater Chicago selected her to receive their “Distinguished Leader” award for her extraordinary impact. Also in 2015, Commissioner Tamley was appointed by President Obama to serve on the United States Access Board, which develops national accessibility guidelines and standards.

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