Obama taps 'Scandal' creator Rhimes for Kennedy Center board

Shonda Rhimes (left) and “Scandal” star Kerry Washington discuss their series.

Chicago native Shonda Rhimes, who grew up in Park Forest South (now University Park), has been tapped by President Obama for a board membership at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Golden Globe winner Rhimes — also a three-time Emmy nominee — is the woman behind such hit TV series as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice” and “Scandal,’ the D.C.-set drama series starring Kerry Washington as a political crisis management pro. That Olivia Pope character is partially based on ex-George W. Bush aide Judy Smith, a co-executive producer on “Scandal.”