Executive Director

Tamakia "TJ" Edwards is a distinguished leader and innovator in the Design and Construction industry, renowned for her ability to navigate complex transformations with strategic precision and operational acumen. Her experience as a strategist and operations leader has consistently driven organizational success and growth.

Currently, TJ serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Capital Development Board, where she leads the agency in their $9.6 billion Rebuild Illinois Program. In this pivotal role, she has been instrumental in shaping the organization's growth trajectory, working closely with the Executive Board and staff to enhance operational efficiency and achieve critical business objectives. TJ spent over a decade with the U.S. General Services Administration further underscores her versatility and depth of knowledge, excelling in roles that encompassed cost estimation, project management, and program management.

TJ's forward-thinking approach and value-driven mindset consistently position her as a catalyst for growth and innovation. Her dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she actively contributes to her community through leadership roles with the Indian Boundary YMCA as a board member, the People’s Resource Center as a job coach, and as a former member of the Hinsdale D86 Board, Special Facilities Committee and Community Equity Leadership Team.

TJ's academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Residing in the Chicagoland area with her husband and their three sons, her professional journey and community involvement reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence and societal impact.