(CHICAGO-IL)--Res Publica Group, a Chicago-based strategic communications firm, announced today that Richard L. Rodriguez will be joining the firm as Senior Vice President. Rodriguez, 40, is currently Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Environment, where he has served since May 16, 2011.

Rodriguez, an attorney, previously served as President of the Chicago Transit Authority, the nation’s second largest public transit system. Prior, he served as Commissioner for both the Department of Aviation, where he managed Chicago’s Airport System, and the Department of Buildings. He was also Executive Director of Construction and Permits. Additionally, Rodriguez oversaw strategic initiatives for the Chicago Public Schools and worked as Managing Director of Operations for the Chicago Housing Authority. He first joined the City of Chicago in 1999.

“We are in the business of identifying and solving problems in an ever changing environment,” said Guy Chipparoni, President of Res Publica Group. “Nobody in this landscape has demonstrated a better ability to do this across all spectrums of public policy than Rich. He will add a tremendous amount of depth to an incredibly talented team.”

“It has been humbling and gratifying to serve the people of Chicago and two outstanding mayors. But the fact that I am going to a firm that is practicing at the forefront of the many issues I’ve worked in will allow me to apply my experience and skills to tackle new challenges and opportunities,” said Rodriguez. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for me and my family and I look forward to staying in the public policy field, just working from a different chair.”

Rodriguez joins a talented team of professionals at Res Publica Group, which was founded nearly 10 years ago and is now regarded as one of the top strategic communications firms in the Midwest. Earlier this month, the firm announced it had hired communications veteran and former investigative journalist, Steve Patterson. Res Publica Group specializes in media strategy and execution, crisis and issues management, government and community relations and grassroots advocacy. The firm works for private companies, non-profit organizations, and advocacy associations in a variety of industries, including healthcare, transportation, education, manufacturing, labor relations, and the visitor industry.

In late 2010, the firm launched its interactive web division 36i, offering web design and development, print design, branding and digital services to accompany and advance its public affairs strategies.

Rodriguez will transition in early November. In his role, he will straddle organization, client and new business initiatives.

Rodriguez resides in Chicago and is married with five children. He is involved in many civic and community organizations and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of Loyola University’s Council of Regents and is on North Park University’s Leadership Council, DeVry University’s National Board of Advisors, Casa Central’s Board of Directors, Daughters of Charity Ministries of Chicago’s Board of Directors and the Chicago Innovation Awards Board of Advisors.

He has also received many leadership awards from community organizations including the March of Dimes, Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Secretary of State, The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Huntington’s Disease Society of America and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation. He was recognized by Chicago-Kent College of Law Alumni Association with a Professional Achievement Award.

Rodriguez has also completed fellowships with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs - Emerging Leaders program, Leadership Greater Chicago and the Metropolitan Leadership Institute.