Former beat cop tapped as Emanuel’s first deputy chief of staff

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Felicia Davis Kendall

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Updated: August 13, 2011 2:15AM

JUST IN: Chicago’s Felicia Davis, a former police officer, who is currently the vice president of administration at Kendall College, has been appointed by Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel as his first deputy chief of staff. Emanuel recently decided to elevate her to the job. Last week, it was announced she would be chief liaison on public safety. Davis’ 10-year career with the Chicago Police Department included working as a beat police officer, detective and a CAPS instructor. She won awards for bravery under fire and for exceptional performance of her duties. Davis hubby is Chicago police officer Dwayne Davis.

THE SCOOP: NEWLY-ENGAGED Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will get the Loretto Hospital Foundation’s distinguished citizen award at their 11th Annual golf outing July 13 at the Saint Andrews Golf Club. The hospital will announce at the event the establishment of the Jay Cutler Diabetes Screening Program. WMAQ-Channel 5’s Ginger Zee is the emcee for the evening. Jay has Type 1 diabetes and his Jay Cutler Foundation helps underprivileged kids and children who have diabetes. Also, this happy Bear recently placed a nice sparkler on the finger of actress Kristin Cavallari.

MAYOR-ELECT Rahm Emanuel, City Treasurer Stephanie Neely and City Clerk-elect Susana Mendoza will be saluted at the Chicago Interfaith Celebration on May 15 at the JW Marriott Hotel. WMAQ-Channel 5’s Natalie Martinez is the host.

THE RL SIGHTS: The popular RL eatery was hopping with celebs and movers and shakers over the weekend. Oprah Winfrey (looking gorgeous) dined with fashion icon Diane Von Furstenberg, while actress Jennifer Beal was at another table with pals; Mayor-elect Emanuel and Ebony’s Desiree Rogers lunched at the hot spot, while PR wiz Dori Wilson and CPS top exec Barbara Lumpkin ate and caught up with the latest news at a separate table. On Saturday evening, the foxy Tyra Banks, dined on dover sole with a friend and was looking fab in jeans, short jacket and tennis shoes. Also, Channel 7 anchor Sylvia Perez was in the house having dinner in another corner with stylist George Fuller and Kiss FM radio’s Nina Chantele. (A birdie told me that Nina might be a contributor on the new Channel 7 “Windy City Live” show).

ABOUT TOWN: Actor Vince Vaughn relaxed at Hugo’s and “CSI: New York” star Gary Sinese lunched at Gibsons on Rush....The Bears’ Charles Tillman keynoting the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council luncheon Wednesday at the United Club. WGN-TV’s Brittney Payton, daughter of Walter Payton, will emcee....Playwright Jim (“Grease”) Jacobs getting an award from the American Theater Company on Thursday.

MORE HAPS: Israel’s Midwest consul general, Orli Gil, and hubby, Amos Gil, hosting a reception Wednesday at the Chicago Historical Museum in celebration of the 63rd anniversary of Israel’s Independence....TV/radio’s Dr. Laura Berman, host of the “In the Bedroom...” show on the OWN Network, speaking at the Alliance for Women in Media “Salute to the Gracies” awards this evening at the G.R. N’Namdi Gallery....Comic/actress Aisha (“Friends”) Tyler on the “Chicago Live!” show with host Rick Kogan on Thursday at the Chicago Theatre Downstairs. Other guests include Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Kyra Kyles and Joel Hall. ...N’Digo mag’s Hermene Hartman signing her new book “How Would You Like Your World Today?” at Macy’s Thursday. R&B artist Terisa Griffin will perform and hype her new CD “Soulzophrenic.”

“REAL HOUSEWIVES OF Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes walked off the “Celebrity Apprentice” show on Sunday. I hinted in my Mar. 15 column that she would.

BIRTHDAYS: Bono. On Wednesday: Joanna (Harry Caray’s) DePorter and Milt Pappas. Belated to Marilyn Ballard.