Kara Bachman is the Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission. She’s responsible for Chicago’s efforts in winning the rights to host high-profile, major sporting events creating visitor demand, driving economic impact, and generating positive media exposure . A native Chicagoan and life-long athlete, Bachman began her career with the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee. She was named to Crain’s 40 under 40 Class of 2016, where she was recognized as one of Chicago’s most influential leaders. In 2017, she was globally recognized in “Leaders Under 40 Awards”, a global search for the best talent in the business of sport under the age of 40. In 2023, the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA) awarded Bachman with the Ambassador of Hospitality Award. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame (since 2017). She’s a member of the City Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.

Kara Bachman has served as the Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission (CSC) since 2014, and with CSC since 2012. She’s responsible for bringing major, high-profile sporting events to the city to create visitor demand, drive economic impact, and generate positive media exposure . Under Bachman’s leadership, Chicago has hosted highly sought-after business such as: 2015 & 2016 NFL Draft, multiple Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournaments, multiple NCAA Championships, 2018 Laver Cup, 2020 NBA All Star, the first-ever NASCAR Chicago Street Race (2023), Premier League Mornings Live (2024) and Summer Series (2025), among many others.

A native Chicagoan and life-long athlete, Bachman began her career with the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee. Bachman was named to Crain’s 40 under 40 Class of 2016; globally recognized in “Leaders Under 40 Awards” Class of 2017, awarded the Ambassador of Hospitality Award by the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association in 2023. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame (since 2017). She’s a member of the City Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.