Judith Rice facts for kids

Judith Rice was born on July 30, 1957. She is an American leader who has held important jobs in Chicago. She served as the Chicago City Treasurer from 2000 to 2006. Since 2014, she has been a judge on the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Early Life and Education

Judith Rice was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents were Fred Rice Jr. and Thelma Rice. Her grandparents were farmers. Judith's father, Fred Rice Jr., was a police officer in Chicago. In 1983, he became the first African-American head of the Chicago Police Department.

Judith went to Avalon Park Elementary School and Mercy High School. In high school, she enjoyed drama and was the main actor in her school play, Hello, Dolly!. She finished high school in 1975.

She then went to Northern Illinois University for a year. In 1977, she moved to Loyola University Chicago. She graduated in 1981 with a degree in communications. Later, in 1984, Judith studied law at UIC John Marshall Law School. She earned her law degree in 1988 and became a licensed lawyer in Illinois.

Early Career in Public Service

After law school, Judith Rice started working in public service. In 1982, she joined the Cook County State's Attorney office. She helped victims and witnesses. From 1988 to 1989, she worked for the Illinois Attorney General.

From 1989 to 1990, Judith was an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. This meant she helped the city with legal matters. She then became the city's Director of Administrative Adjunction from 1990 to 1992.

She continued to take on more important roles. From 1992 to 1993, she was the deputy director of the city's Department of Revenue. Then, from 1993 to 1995, she became the Director of the Department of Revenue. This department collects money for the city. From 1995 to 1996, she worked closely with Mayor Richard M. Daley as his executive assistant.

From 1996 to 1999, Judith Rice was the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Water. She was the first woman to lead this department. After that, from 1999 to 2000, she led the Chicago Department of Transportation. She was also the first woman to head this department.

Chicago City Treasurer

In November 2000, Mayor Richard M. Daley chose Judith Rice to be the Chicago City Treasurer. The City Treasurer is in charge of managing the city's money. The Chicago City Council agreed with the mayor's choice, and Judith was sworn into office on November 15, 2000.

Judith Rice was re-elected as City Treasurer in 2003. She ran without anyone opposing her. She also helped lead the Champions program for the 2006 Gay Games. On October 26, 2006, Judith announced she would leave her job as City Treasurer. Mayor Daley then appointed Stephanie Neely to take her place. Judith then worked as a Deputy Mayor for Mayor Daley for a year.

Private Sector Work

After working for the city, Judith Rice joined BMO Harris Bank in 2007. She became a Senior Vice President. She was in charge of government relations, community affairs, and economic development for the bank.

Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County

In 2014, Judith Rice was elected as a judge for the 7th subcircuit of the Circuit Court of Cook County. This court handles many different types of legal cases. She won against other candidates in the Democratic primary election.

On December 1, 2014, Judith Rice officially became a judge. She was assigned to the Domestic Relations Division, which handles family-related legal matters. In 2020, voters decided to keep her as a judge in a retention election.

Community Involvement

Judith Rice has also been involved in community work. She served on the advisory board of the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center. This center helps children who have experienced difficult situations.

Awards and Recognition

In 2019, the Cook County State's Attorney office honored Judith Rice. She received one of their Pride Recognition Awards. These awards celebrate outstanding community leaders, lawyers, and judges in Cook County.