The Illinois International Port District Board Chairman (IIPD) Ivan Solis announced that the IIPD named Erik Varela as the incoming Executive Director. Working with the board of directors, Varela will solidify the IIPD as one of the most important domestic and international trade hubs.

  Erik will also bring a wealth of lived experience to this role as he will serve as the port’s first Latino leader, said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

  Prior to being named IIPD Executive Director, Varela most recently served as Senior Director of Public Affairs for Union Pacific Railroad. In that role he was responsible for leading all legislative, governmental and community relations activities in Illinois and Wisconsin on behalf of Union Pacific.