Kara Bachman is executive director of the Chicago Sports Commission. In this role since 2014, she is responsible for bringing major sporting events to the city. Under Bachman's leadership, Chicago has hosted NFL Drafts, Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournaments, and NCAA Championships, among others. She began her career with the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee. Bachman is a board member of Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame and a member of the City Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago. Her recognition includes being named to Crain’s 40 under 40 and the 2017 Leaders Under 40 Awards lists, as well as receiving the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association’s 2023 Ambassador of Hospitality Award.