October 05, 2023
ELIZABETH Q. BETTEN
CHAIR, CIVIC FEDERATION TRUSTEES
Number of years with the Federation: 4
Committees: Healthcare Committee
Day job: Managing Director, Madison Dearborn Partners
Elizabeth Q. Betten is a Managing Director and Co-Head of the Healthcare Team at Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP). Elizabeth joined MDP in 2004 as an Associate and re-joined after business school in 2008. Prior to MDP, she was an Investment Banking Analyst in the Health Care Group at J.P. Morgan. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of APM (ASX: APM), Option Care Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: OPCH), CareRing Health, Sevita Health, and Solis Mammography, formerly served on the Board of Directors of Ikaria and was actively involved with Sirona Dental Systems.
Elizabeth holds an A.B. from Brown University and an M.B.A. from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Elizabeth also serves on the Board of Directors of the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute. She sits on the Board of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Trust and is a member of The Chicago Network.
Elizabeth lives in Chicago with her husband and two daughters.
What made you want to join the Civic Federation?
I really admire the Civic Federation’s work. The research of the Civic Federation is an incredible tool for politicians, civic leaders and all Chicago and Illinois residents to be informed on fiscal matters in a truly non-partisan way. With a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the City, County and State, I believe the Civic Federation can help Chicago and Illinois thrive over the long term.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Civic Federation?
I enjoy learning about the various insights that the Civic Federation produces from its research. The team is able to find and assemble primary data that would be almost impossible for me to find another way. I also enjoy spending time with the Civic Federation staff and hearing their findings and their passion for their research. Finally, I enjoy spending time with other Civic Federation Trustees who share my love of Chicago.
What's your favorite Chicago hidden gem?
I love the Lincoln Park Zoo. I think it is really special that the Zoo is free and that all Chicago residents can gain exposure to different types of wildlife and the importance of conservation. The Zoo has so many wonderful conservation programs, both for urban wildlife here in Chicago and endangered species throughout the globe.
What's a project you're working on right now?
I lead investing in healthcare services at Madison Dearborn Partners, a private equity firm here in Chicago. I definitely keep busy working with our management teams to drive enhanced access to care for patients, especially for those communities that are often underserved.
If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice at the beginning of your career, what would it be?
I have been incredibly lucky to have found a career that I really love. I can’t decide if I was able to follow my instincts or whether it was pure luck! I oftentimes tell young professionals to think about what parts of a job really light them up and lean into those – that may require a career change or a different role but if you can identify what activities you really love, focus on those.