Commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski’s long career in public service connects Chicago’s robust tradition of civic activism, economic development, environmental action, empowering the arts, and community organizing. The son of immigrants, his passion to link people with resources, especially with communities for whom English is a second language, has been a constant in his wide-ranging record of volunteerism. Commissioner Pogorzelski’s passion for communication is evident in his devotion to making people aware of the danger that climate change poses to all of us. 

Commissioner Pogorzelski’s moniker as the “unofficial Mayor of Avondale” is a nickname he holds exceptional pride in. The imprint of Commissioner Pogorzelski’s commitment to community engagement through the arts can be seen throughout the Chicago area. He has played a role in projects in West Englewood, Bridgeport, Forest Glen, Dunning, Portage Park, Brighton Park, and West Town, some of which were featured in the “Art in Chicago Neighborhoods” booklet published by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for the Year of Public Art. His efforts in this sector continue into the present as a board member of the Logan Square Chamber of Arts, the first organization of its kind created in Chicago. 

Transitioning to government, Commissioner Pogorzelski worked in the offices of 38th Ward Ald. Tim Cullerton as well as state Sen. Robert F. Martwick Jr. while he was in the Illinois House. From 2018 until his recent election, Commissioner Pogorzelski worked at the office of Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs in Civic Engagement, where his responsibility was to connect Illinoisans with the services and programs they offer. Commissioner Pogorzelski’s work in journalism and communications has consistently been an asset in these roles. As the coauthor of four books on different neighborhoods of Chicago, Commissioner Pogorzelski has collaborated with reporters, TV producers, an Oscar-nominated film director, and was even sought out to assist on a media project by a partner of the U.S. Department of State. 

Since beginning in politics while an organizer for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Commissioner Pogorzelski has worked on more than 40 political campaigns over the past 12 years. He serves as vice president of the 38th Ward Democrats. Commissioner Pogorzelski has also been involved with the National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Council and is co-chair of the Diversity Subcommittee of the Community Outreach Committee of the Cook County Democratic Party. Commissioner Pogorzelski was also a member of the DRIVE Committee for Teamsters Local 916.

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