Marlene Vick

Background

About Marlene Vick

Marlene Vick serves as Acting Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development of the Illinois Tollway. Marlene is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive diversity program on behalf of the Tollway to ensure inclusion and equal opportunity for all. The focus is on increasing access to economic opportunities for disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, veteran-owned businesses, as well as underemployed individuals. Vick has worked at the Tollway for nearly 15 years in a variety of increasingly challenging roles in the Tollway’s Executive Office and Diversity Department, most recently as the Deputy Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development. Marlene was instrumental in launching the Tollway’s Technical Assistance Program that provides comprehensive business coaching and development to emerging small, diverse, women and veteran-owned businesses. Since its inception in 2013, hundreds of firms have utilized technical assistance to become certified to do business in Illinois, obtain bonding and insurance, received help with bidding for contracts and received back-office training and support services. Two years ago, the program was expanded to assist both construction contractors and professional services firms. Last year, over 300 firms received assistance, and more than $30 million in Tollway contracts was awarded to TA Program clients. Marlene has worked closely with construction industry stakeholders on behalf of the Tollway such as the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, Construction Women in Trades and Federation of Women Contractors to educate the industry on Tollway DBE Programs and upcoming contracting opportunities for interested firms.