Tom Gray

Tom Gray was born in Mississippi, on a farm spanning over 400 acres. The farm cultivated everything from corn to cotton to pigs. He ended up in Chicago, playing a pivotal role in easing tensions between boaters and anglers on the lakefront. As part of the Mayor’s Fishing Advisory Committee, he addressed conflicts and fostered better relations between these groups. Gray has been involved in other exciting projects such as in Bronzeville, a historic neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, including a multi-phase project on the former Michael Reese Hospital site with a 50% African-American development team, making it a groundbreaking initiative. From Mississippi’s farmland to Chicago’s bustling lakefront, Gray’s journey has been one of service, community, and meaningful connections.