John C. Robak

John C. Robak is the former Chairman and CEO of Greeley and Hansen, a leading international civil, environmental, and water infrastructure consulting engineering firm, headquartered in Chicago since 1914.  With over 30 years of professional experience, Robak directed all business affairs of this 20-office global consulting firm.  In 2023, Robak successfully brokered the acquisition of Greeley and Hansen LLC to a multinational infrastructure company. Robak is now focusing his time on continuing his endeavors in philanthropy, civic engagement, and in helping to promote Chicago as a world-class global city.

Robak led Greeley and Hansen’s efforts to support community initiatives aligned with the company’s mission to create better urban environments. Focusing on diversity as an important business imperative, he proactively cultivated a diverse employee base and promoted multiculturalism and inclusion to other Chicagoland businesses as a long-time board member and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chicago United, an advocacy organization that brings together diverse senior business leaders to promote multiracial leadership in business to advance parity in economic opportunity.

A committed proponent of altruistic action, Robak is personally involved with many Chicago-based non-profit organizations and supports many civic causes on the local, state, and national level.  Robak is known for building strong trust-based relationships with members of the Chicago business community.  Robak is an avid supporter of the Illinois Diversity Council, Chicago City Colleges, Chicago Consular Corps, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, and Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center.

Robak holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. He has served as a long-time member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Driehaus College of International Business at DePaul University and has been active in promoting the university’s graduate program in Sustainable Urban Development. This interdisciplinary program explores how cities can cope with the demands of building urban areas that are environmentally sustainable and also supports jobs, economic, and community development.  Robak is a 2022 Daniel Burnham Fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago. He is a sought-after speaker and published author on human resources, job readiness, workplace diversity, leadership, and career management topics.