Catalyst Chicago

In 2001, Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed a young, relatively unknown Arne Duncan as CEO of the Chicago Public Schools. Reportedly, Duncan was Daley’s second choice, after Chicago Public Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey turned down the job. But his commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged youth and on-the-ground experience starting Ariel Community Academy gave him the smarts and contacts to build a strong team within central office, with former principal Barbara Eason-Watkins serving as lead partner.

Eason-Watkins was Duncan’s first call after taking the job. She had repeatedly turned down offers to move up into district offices, but she couldn’t say no to him. “He was very convincing, and so very passionate,” she recalled...