Renowned Communications Adviser Anne-Marie St. Germaine Dies at 66

St. Germaine worked with prominent politicians, civic groups, and businesses in Chicago for decades.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:00am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a warm, blurred urban scene, with soft pools of light and color representing the vibrant community life and civic engagement that defined Anne-Marie St. Germaine's career.The passing of respected communications adviser Anne-Marie St. Germaine leaves a void in Chicago's civic and political landscape, where her strategic insight and principled leadership made a lasting impact.Chicago Today

Anne-Marie St. Germaine, a highly respected communications adviser who worked with numerous politicians, civic organizations, and businesses in the Chicago area, has died at the age of 66 after a battle with breast cancer. St. Germaine was known for her strategic insight, wisdom, and integrity, and she served on the boards of several influential groups.

Why it matters

St. Germaine's passing is a significant loss for the Chicago community, as she was a trusted advisor and principled leader who helped shape the civic and political landscape through her work with high-profile clients and organizations. Her dedication to public service and community engagement made her a respected figure across the region.

The details

St. Germaine had a long career in communications, working as a senior consultant at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) and later joining the public affairs firm Jasculca/Terman & Associates, where she was promoted to senior vice president. She went on to work at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Resolute Consulting, and eventually started her own firm, Terrace Strategies LLC. Throughout her career, St. Germaine advised numerous politicians, including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. She also served on the boards of organizations like the Woods Fund Chicago and the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance.

  • St. Germaine died on April 12, 2026 at her home in Rogers Park.
  • She previously lived in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago.

The players

Anne-Marie St. Germaine

A highly respected communications adviser who worked with numerous politicians, civic organizations, and businesses in the Chicago area for decades.

Toni Preckwinkle

Cook County Board President, one of St. Germaine's clients.

Jesse White

Former Illinois Secretary of State, one of St. Germaine's clients.

John Stroger

Former Cook County Board President, one of St. Germaine's clients.

Grace Hou

Illinois Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services, who worked with St. Germaine on the board of the Let's Fund Chicago foundation.

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What they’re saying

“Anne-Marie St. Germaine was one of those rare people whose presence made our civic life smarter, kinder and more humane. She brought intelligence, strategic insight and deep generosity to every institution she touched, and Chicago and Cook County are better because of her work.”

— Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President

“To say she made amazing contributions would sell her short. Anne-Marie helped shape the foundation of who we are today. She meant so much to all of us, and we wouldn't be the firm we are without her.”

— Jasculca/Terman & Associates, Public Affairs and Public Relations Firm

“She was an incredibly thoughtful board member and was someone who put in the work, which is rare for board members. She was so full of faith — and she was someone who really believed in social justice and believed in a better world and did her best to help bring that about.”

— Michelle Morales, President, Woods Fund Chicago

What’s next

A visitation for St. Germaine will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2026 at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Chicago, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m.

The takeaway

St. Germaine's passing is a significant loss for the Chicago community, as she was a trusted advisor and principled leader who dedicated her career to shaping the civic and political landscape through her work with high-profile clients and organizations. Her commitment to public service, community engagement, and social justice made her a respected and admired figure across the region.