Thomas G. Ayers

Thomas G. Ayers (February 16, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan – June 8, 2007, in Chicago, Illinois) was president (1964–1980), CEO and chairman (1973–1980) of Commonwealth Edison.^[1]

Thomas G. Ayers
Born	February 16, 1915 Detroit, Michigan
Died	June 8, 2007(2007-06-08) (aged 92) Chicago, Illinois
Occupation	businessman
Title	Commonwealth Edison (President, 1964-1980; CEO & Chairman, 1973-1980)
Spouse	Mary Andrew
Children	William Ayers John Ayers

Ayers served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Northwestern University, the Erikson Institute, the Bank Street College of Education in New York City, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Community Trust, the Chicago Urban League, the Community Renewal Society, the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry, Chicago United, the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities, and Dearborn Park Corp.,^[1] and served as vice president of the Chicago Board of Education.^[2]

Ayers also served on the board of directors of Sears, G.D. Searle, Chicago Pacific Corp., Zenith Corp., Northwest Industries, General Dynamics Corp. of St. Louis, First National Bank of Chicago, the Chicago Cubs, and the Tribune Co.^[1]

In 1938, he married Mary Andrew, the mother of his children. His son William Ayers, once the leader of the radical Weather Underground, has been a professor of education at the University of Illinois at Chicago since 1987.^[3] His son John Ayers, once on the staff (1983–1986) of former U.S. Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL), is a national leader in charter school development.^[4]

References

1. Jackson, Cheryl V. (June 12, 2007). "Former ComEd CEO; Businessman also fought for equality". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 49. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
2. Davis, Robert; Schneidman, Dave (May 20, 1980). "Byrne changes mind, won't oppose school board chief". Chicago Tribune. p. 3. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
   "School board praised in text of resignation". Chicago Tribune. June 4, 1980. p. 16. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
3. Napolitano, Jo (June 12, 2007). "Thomas G. Ayers: 1915-2007; Utility executive led civic, racial initiatives; Former Commonwealth Edison chief helped develop Dearborn Park and pushed for an end to housing discrimination against blacks". Chicago Tribune. p. 4 (Metro). Retrieved 2008-10-16.
4. Kelleher, Maureen (February 2005). "First Renaissance schools chosen as charter leaders depart; John Ayers, Greg Richmond bow out as newcomers assume authority". Catalyst: A Publication of Community Renewal Society. ISSN 1058-6830. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
   Cholo, Ana Beatriz (February 3, 2005). "Charter schools trailblazer resigns; 20 opened doors during his watch". Chicago Tribune. p. 5 (Metro). Retrieved 2008-10-16.
   Dell'Angela, Tracy (June 11, 2006). "Big Easy taps Windy City aid; Chicago experts to help effort to create unique charter school system". Chicago Tribune. p. 4. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
   Moberg, David (November 6, 2006). "Semper Fi: The way to win; Lane Evans' career in Congress teaches progressives a lasting lesson". In These Times. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
   National Association of Charter School Authorizers (2008). . National Association of Charter School Authorizers. Archived from the original on 2008-04-23. Retrieved 2008-10-16.