Smita N. Shah is the Founder and CEO of SPAAN Tech, Inc., a multidisciplinary engineering firm with 25 years expertise in public and private infrastructure projects including transportation, aviation, facilities, and telecommunications systems. She has an extensive business and technical background, earning her Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from M.I.T., and a Post Graduate Certificate in Management Studies from Oxford University. In addition, Ms. Shah serves on the board of MacLean Fogg Company, Inventrust (NYSE: IVT) and ComEd. She is member of Young President’s Organization (YPO) Chicago, Economic Club and Commercial Club of Chicago.In recognition of Ms. Shah’s leadership and commitment to the community, she was appointed by President Biden to the President’s Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Her additional civic engagement includes M.I.T. Visiting Committee for Civil and Environmental Engineering, Board Member of the Museum of Science and Industry, Trustee of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, and Harris School Council at University of Chicago. She was the recent past Vice Chairman of Chicago Plan Commission, supporting the development of this great city for the past 15 years. Ms. Shah has received numerous recognitions for her business and civic work, including from Crain's Chicago Business (40 Under 40, Notable NonProfit Leader), American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Consulting Engineers Council. She served as a U.S. delegate for the APEC Women and the Economy Forum (WEF), and is a recipient of the congressionally recognized Ellis Island Medal of Honor.