The year Vance Henry ’88 graduated from Wheaton, Chuck Colson gave the commencement speech, quoting from Revelation 11:15 and the “Hallelujah” chorus: “The task of the church is to make the kingdoms of the world the kingdoms of our Lord.” Those words lit a fire within Vance, confirming God had called him to be an agent of change, no matter where he was sent.

As a young pastor and grassroots organizer on Chicago’s West Side, Vance poured himself into his community, advocating for safer streets, affordable housing, and better schools. His passion caught the eye of the 24th Ward Alderman, who invited him on as chief of staff. 

“I went into government with the burning desire to see God’s idea of justice and kingdom values impact the business of government in Chicago. I wanted to represent God’s voice and hands of mercy to the marginalized and voiceless citizens,” says Vance. “My mission was to be a catalyst for the biblical idea of justice and to help build the ‘beloved community,’ often heralded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Twenty-five years later, Vance has served under three Chicago mayors. As the Executive Director of Community Policing under Mayor Daley, he implemented the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program, helping police and neighbors work together to create a safer community. His service continued under Mayor Rahm Emanuel as Deputy Chief of Staff for Community and Faith-based Partnerships. And now, he serves as Mayor Lightfoot’s Religious Affairs Advisor and Chief of Faith-Based Engagement. 

“Chicago has extraordinary access to resources but also great areas of need,” says Vance, a West Side native well-acquainted with the gun violence and gaps in resources on the West and South Sides of Chicago. “I fight every day, using the leverage I have, to make sure we are doing right by the least of these.”