Chimaobi Enyia

As the Founder and CEO of Sentinel Strategies, Chima continues to leverage his extensive experience, network, and keen understanding of government to assist clients in achieving their goals. 

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Prior Sentinel Strategies, Chima held several government roles and established a strong reputation for astute legislative, regulatory, and operations strategy. His expertise in navigating the intersection of business and government transcended highly partisan political environments, which led to executive appointments from both Democratic and Republican Illinois Governors in three successive administrations, as well as unanimous approval by the Illinois General Assembly.

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​As Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, Chima facilitated procurement and operational functions for over 40 agencies and 170 Boards and Commission including Healthcare and Family Services, Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Corrections, Innovation & Technology, and Public Health. Simultaneously, he championed the Business Enterprise Program for Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities, and Veterans, overseeing certification, outreach, and contract compliance, exceeding statutory supplier diversity targets by 25%.

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​Chima subsequently served as the Associate Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue, where the Department received national recognition for establishing an award-winning Data Analytics Division. Under his leadership, the division significantly enhanced statewide tax compliance and successfully prevented over $50 million in attempted tax fraud. Additionally, Chima led implementation of the Invest in Kids scholarship program and directed comprehensive department-wide management training, recruitment, workforce development initiatives, fostering a more business and people-centric culture deeply rooted in Lean Six Sigma operations.

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Chima was then appointed to serve as the Executive Director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, where he oversaw all policy and regulatory strategy including licensing, enforcement, industry education and legislative affairs. He spearheaded the historic legislative and administrative initiative to establish the Illinois Liquor Control Commission as a standalone and independent regulatory body, ensuring streamlined operations, enhanced regulatory effectiveness, and improved government to business relations within the liquor, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Furthermore, Chima steered the liquor industry through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic; securing vital legislative and administrative support to assist licensees, while ensuring the public health and safety of Illinois residents and business owners remained a top priority.

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​Most recently, as the Executive Vice President of Social Equity and Education Development (SEED) at Cresco Labs, the industry leader in branded cannabis products, Chima championed the company’s social impact mission, weaving it into every aspect of the organization's operations and financial objectives with targeted intentionality. Notable achievements include spearheading award-winning integrated campaigns that amplified the growing movement of cannabis decriminalization, e driving legislative advocacy for criminal justice reform, and assisting thousands of people with expungement of cannabis-related convictions. This resulted in expanding Cresco Labs’s reach to millions of individuals by touching their lives, and cultivating a stronger, more meaningful relationship with valued customers.

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​Civic and philanthropic engagement in underserved communities is a core value of Chima’s personal and professional life. He is particularly devoted to quelling violence amongst at-risk youth through mentorship and service on the board of Project Hood, One Aim Illinois, and the Chicago Philharmonic. He is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and the Nigerian American Professional Association. In furtherance of his support for underrepresented communities, he has served on numerous state boards and commissions, including the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program Council for Minorities, Women, Veterans, and Persons with Disabilities, the Illinois Substance Use Disorder Advisory Council, and the Illinois Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Council.

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​Chima has been recognized for his leadership by several organization including, Savoy Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America (2022), Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives (2021), NASCIO State IT Award: Data Management, Analytics, and Visualization (2019), Ariel Investments 40 under 40 Game Changers Award (2018), United African Organization Civic Engagement Award (2013).

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​Chima resides in Chicago, with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.