CHICAGO -- President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Todd Ricketts -- brother of Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts and a member of the team's board of directors -- as deputy commerce secretary.
"The incredible job he and the Ricketts family did in the purchase and turnaround of the Chicago Cubs -- one perfect step after another, leading to the World Championship, is what I want representing our people,'' Trump said in a statement on Wednesday. "I am very proud to have him on our team."
Trump praised Ricketts as "an immensely successful businessman with unparalleled knowledge of the finance industry," and said he will "help us cut waste and streamline government so that it works for the people of America.''
Todd Ricketts expressed similar excitement.
"I am honored that President-elect Donald J. Trump has asked me to serve our country at this critical juncture in our history,'' Ricketts said in a statement. "Advancing practical policies that promote economic opportunity is critical to making America great again. I'm eager to begin this important work and serving with Wilbur Ross [who has been nominated to serve as secretary of commerce] to implement President-elect Trump's economic agenda, which will improve the lives of all Americans."
Ricketts, the son of Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, has been involved in the running of the Cubs since his family purchased the team in 2009. Along with his brother Pete and sister Laura, Todd has participated in weekly board meetings.
A bicycle enthusiast, Todd Ricketts has made Wrigley Field more bike friendly and organized charity bike rides. He is an owner of Higher Gear Bike Shops Willamette and Highland Park, Ill., and a member of the board of directors of World Bicycle Relief.
Ricketts is a 1993 graduate of Loyola University Chicago.