Phil BoothbyDirector of Capital Planning & Policy, Cook County Bureau of Asset ManagementPhil oversees the 10-year, $1.4 billion Capital Improvement Plan for the second most popu-lous county in the United States. He manages a diverse portfolio of assets totaling 19.5 mil-lion square feet comprising more than 200 facilities. Phil helped transform his department into a high performing office by implementing cloud-based asset management software, an award-winning Job Order Contracting program, more than $100 million in energy sav-ings projects, and an ambitious and comprehensive strategic analysis of County assets.

Jennifer BransfieldVice President/General Counsel, Chicago Neighborhood InitiativesIn addition to serving as general counsel, Jennifer manages operations, communications, board and government relations, and fundraising. Based in the Pullman neighborhood on the Far South Side, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives collaboratively transforms neighbor-hoods through holistic community and economic development. Jennifer previously served as counsel to CNI’s predecessor, Park National Bank, and worked in the economic consult-ing and tax practices at Huron Consulting Group and Arthur Andersen. She holds a JD/MBA from Pepperdine University and BA from the University of Southern California.

Fanny Diego AlvarezDirector of Education, Enlace ChicagoFanny leads education programs and initiatives in the Southwest Side community of Little Village. She oversees a wide spectrum of education initiatives at nine neighborhood schools, working with 5,000 youth and families annually. Fanny has worked at Enlace Chicago for more than 10 years and was first introduced to the organization when she was a high school student at Farragut Career Academy. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and MA from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.

Maritza BanderaProject Manager of Centennial, Civic Engagement and Partnerships, The Chicago Community TrustMaritza manages On the Table, a platform for partnering with and inspiring residents, or-ganizations, and institutions to take action to improve the Chicago region. In 2015, she was named one of the Latino 40 under 40 by Negocios Now for her commitment and dedi-cation to empowering local residents to affect positive change. Maritza also co-chairs the education and youth development committee for the Belmont-Cragin Quality of Life Plan. She holds an MA from American University and BA from Denison University.

Academy FellowsWinter/Spring 2016

Daniel CervantesVice President, Finance & Operations, Skills for Chicagoland’s FutureServing as a strategic partner to the CEO, Daniel is the chief financial executive at Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, a public-private partnership that has placed more than 2,200 unemployed job seekers since launching in 2012. Managing an array of areas, from fiscal to legal to IT, he has also played a role in Skills’ programming and strategic direction. Daniel previously worked at a nonprofit aimed at creating systemic impact within Chicago Public Schools and is a public accounting alum. He enjoys speaking to youth on education and mentorships. He is a native of Chicago and graduate of DePaul University.

Crystal CoatsSenior Manager of Corporate and External Partnerships, Chicago Housing AuthorityCrystal works with corporate partners to provide resources for Chicago Housing Authority residents through special events and programs. Prior to joining CHA, she was an assistant director at the University Community Service Center at the University of Chicago. During her career, Crystal has held positions in community relations, marketing, education, pol-itics, and public relations. She received her BA in English from the University of Missou-ri-Columbia and MA in the Humanities from the University of Chicago.

Ben DieterichAssistant Budget Director, Chicago Office of Budget and ManagementPrior to joining the City of Chicago, Ben worked in the federal government, conducting program evaluation of federal health programs, and in education, helping low-income students get to college. Ben is passionate about public policy and finding ways to build a stronger community. In his personal life, he serves as treasurer for his church, is a member and former president of the Chicago Harris School Alumni Council, and has worked with the Chicago Community Trust’s Collaboratories. Ben holds an MPP from Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and is a graduate of St. Olaf College.

Kia Christie ColemanDirector of Juvenile Justice Programs, Chicago Department of Family & Support ServicesKia oversees the Juvenile Intervention Support Center, a police station run in partnership with the Chicago Police Department as part of a pilot program to reduce recidivism rates among arrested youth. She also manages a portfolio of programs aimed at engaging Chi-cago’s justice-involved youth. Kia holds an MBA from the Chicago Booth School of Busi-ness and BA in English from Wesleyan University. An avid writer and web series producer, she frequently seeks to use art to highlight the issues facing Chicago’s inner-city residents.

Tony DoverEnergy Manager, Cook County Bureau of Asset ManagementTony develops, manages, and implements energy and sustainability programs for more than 200 buildings in Cook County’s real estate portfolio. He advises the County on estab-lishing and achieving ambitious energy reduction targets through existing and new energy management programs, and oversees all LEED certification projects. He also chairs the Cook County Green Leadership Team’s Energy and Water Subcommittee. Tony came to Cook County from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he collaboratively devel-oped and implemented a $450 million energy program for the state’s 6,500 facilities.

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Samuel E. DysonDirector, Mozilla Hive Chicago Learning NetworkHive Chicago is a peer-to-peer professional learning community empowering educators to improve teaching and learning in the digital age. Sam is responsible for strategic direction and sustainability of the local network, while contributing to leadership efforts in new cit-ies around the globe. His prior work spans educational roles in schools and communities, including 10 years teaching Physics, for which he is a 2007 recipient of the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. He received a BA in Physics from Yale University and M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Brady GottManaging Director, Cleanslate ChicagoCleanslate Chicago is a social enterprise that creates more than 250 jobs annually for Chicagoans affected by homelessness and poverty. For eight years, Brady has overseen business operations, personnel management, budgeting, planning, quality control, and business expansion consistent with the strategic plan of The Cara Program, Cleanslate’s parent nonprofit. Brady earned a BA in Urban Ministry from Moody Bible Institute and an MBA at the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business.

Ruth GreenwoodLead Attorney, Voting Rights Project, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under LawRuth’s work focuses on redistricting, election administration, minority representation, and youth civic engagement. She was awarded an Exceptional Service Award by the Chicago Board of Elections in 2014 for her work on Chicago Democracy Week, is a board member of the Prison Policy Initiative and Independent Map Amendment Illinois, and an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago Law School. She received her LL.M. from Columbia Law School and LL.B./B.Sc. from the University of Sydney, Australia.

Julio L. GuerreroVice President, Institutional Advancement, The Resurrection ProjectJulio oversees a $25 million campaign to expand the reach and profile of The Resurrection Project, a social enterprise organization that blends community development, community organizing, and advocacy with human service delivery to create healthy, vibrant commu-nities. Julio and his teams have generated more than $30 million in philanthropic support to expand innovative and entrepreneurial 501c3 organizations. Julio is passionate about community development, philanthropy, and partnerships as tools to achieve social justice. He holds a BA in English from the University of Chicago.

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Joseph HollendonerFirst Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public HealthJoseph manages his department’s operations and strategic initiatives to improve the health of Chicago residents. Previously, he served as senior vice rresident of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and was the chief program officer at Howard Brown Health Center. In 2004, Joseph served as the founding director of the Broadway Youth Center and was honored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for his work on behalf of LGBT youth. Joseph completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Maureen Lopez FitzpatrickAssociate Dean, Wilbur Wright College, City Colleges of ChicagoMaureen leads program management and strategic planning at Wright College in Hum-boldt Park. She brings extensive community organizing experience focused on immigrant integration policies to her role. Prior to joining City Colleges, she was a fellow in the City of Chicago Office of the Mayor. She has worked for the Southwest Organizing Project and Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. She serves as vice president of the Northwest Side Housing Center Board of Directors. Maureen received her BA from the University of Notre Dame and MPP from Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

Simone Melissa MoseleyInstructional Effectiveness Specialist, Chicago Public SchoolsSimone has dedicated her career to public service, including the last five years involved in Chicago Public School reform efforts. She brings knowledge of large-scale policy imple-mentation strategies, as well as extensive organizational knowledge of a key municipal agency. Simone currently supports CPS in realizing the district’s vision that each student receives instruction from effective educators. She holds a BS from Barry University School of Education and JD from DePaul University College of Law.

Betsy A. LeonardVice President, External Relations, Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human RightsBetsy began her career with Heartland Alliance in 1992, as an assistant in the president’s office. Part chief of staff and part external affairs, her current role involves special initia-tives, communications, and donor and community relations. She works directly with the corporate board of directors and is a member of the organization’s global executive team. Prior to joining Heartland Alliance, Betsy was a Spanish instructor and worked at the Chi-cago office of the Cincinnati Stock Exchange.

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Patrick MurpheyManager, Zoning Board of Appeals, Chicago Department of Planning and DevelopmentPatrick supervises Zoning Board of Appeals staff who review all variation and special use requests, while also coordinating the analysis of planned developments presented to the Chicago Plan Commission. He works with public and private entities, community organiza-tions, elected officials, and numerous city departments to review and implement projects based on budgetary constraints, community priorities, and public necessity. He holds an undergraduate degree in History from Loyola University of Chicago and master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Liz JellemaDirector of Research, World Business ChicagoLiz leads WBC’s research and data analysis to drive regional economic growth. She devel-ops award-winning tools, cultivates networks of civic partners, and institutes cross-func-tional business process improvements. Liz is particularly interested in the dynamic reuse of public assets to meet changing resident needs. Her experience includes economics consulting with AECOM and the Institute for Research on Labor, Employment and the Economy. She holds an MUP from the University of Michigan and BBA from the University of Wisconsin.

Brandie V. KnazzeDeputy Commissioner of IT, Contracts and Programmatic Monitoring, Chicago Department of Family & Support ServicesA native Chicagoan, Brandie has held several positions in the public sector, including in Cook County government and at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to her current role, she was a consultant for state and local governments specializing in shared services, management reviews, and efficiency studies. Brandie holds an MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and BA in Economics and Women’s Studies from Emory University.

Anel RuizDeputy Chief of Staff, Office of Cook County Board President Toni PreckwinkleAnel takes great pride in public service, as well as mentoring fellow burgeoning leaders. She is a Class of 2014 Fellow at Leadership Greater Chicago, a member of the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, and recently joined the Board of Esperanza Health Centers. Anel previously directed development and operations at the nonprofit Free Spirit Media and managed communications at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

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Eliza SolowiejExecutive Director, First Defense Legal AidEliza leads FDLA, the only provider of free, 24-hour legal representation for people in Chi-cago police custody. She has worked for 20 years in leadership development and organi-zational capacity building, and organized human rights campaigns to save Chicago’s men-tal health clinics, stop the deployment of assault rifles to Chicago police, and end juvenile incarceration. She serves on the boards of the National Lawyers Guild, Chicago Commu-nity Bond Fund, and Southside Together Organizing for Power. Eliza holds a University of Chicago BA and John Marshall Law School JD. She is an active mentor and proud parent based in Marquette Park.

Clifford M. NellisExecutive Director/Lead Attorney, Lawndale Christian Legal CenterIn 2002, after graduating from the University of Chicago Law School and clerking for a federal judge, Cliff pedaled his bicycle from Denver, Colo., to San Diego, Calif., to Miami, Fla., with a bible. After this trip, he completed an M.Div. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. While in seminary, Cliff joined Lawndale Community Church and founded the Lawndale Christian Legal Center, which provides holistic criminal defense legal services grounded in restorative justice to youth 24 and younger in the Lawndale area.

Manuel PérezChief of Staff, Office of County Clerk David D. OrrManuel manages the day-to-day operations of the County Clerk’s office, which adminis-ters elections in suburban Cook County, maintains vital records, and calculates tax rates for all taxing districts in the county. Prior to joining the County Clerk, Manuel served as chief of staff to Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and managed his may-oral campaign. Born in Chicago to Mexican immigrants, Manuel grew up in Cicero and earned an AB in History from Princeton University.

Denean Pillar-JacksonAssociate Director, Corporate Partnerships, Year Up ChicagoDenean is a founding team member of Year Up Chicago, which works to address the needs of both employers and youth by connecting young adults who need access to businesses that need talent. She is responsible for managing multiple levels of the busi-ness development process to build sustainable partnerships. Denean is passionate about empowering people to reach their full potential, both professionally and personally. She earned an MS in Financial Markets from the Illinois Institute of Technology and BS from Hampton University.

Jim ThompsonDeputy Commissioner, Commissioner Michael Cabonargi, Cook County Board of ReviewJim has been instrumental in implementing a groundbreaking digital system to serve tax-payers better by creating a more accurate and transparent appeals process. Before joining Cook County, he led the government affairs department of Next Realty and Next Parking. Previously, Jim worked at the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, focusing on industrial retention and growth and bringing development to underserved communi-ties. He also served as chief of staff to Alderman Ted Matlak.

John YonanSuperintendent, Cook County Department of Transportation and HighwaysJohn was appointed superintendent by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in January 2012. In this capacity, he is responsible for all of the department’s professional engineering functions, including the planning, programming, design, construction, and maintenance of the County’s infrastructure assets, which includes more 570 miles of roads. John is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. Prior to his appointment, he was the deputy commissioner/chief engineer in the Chicago Department of Transporta-tion Bureau of Engineering.

Alex WilsonExecutive Director and Founder, West Town BikesAlex acts as visionary and leader in formulating, articulating and implementing organiza-tional philosophy, mission, strategy, goals, and objectives. Since 2004, Alex has developed youth and adult programs for WTB, as well as programs for other organizations, including the Active Transportation Alliance, After School Matters, Elev8, Children’s Home and Aid Society, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, and City of Chicago. Beyond his passion working for youth development and community building, Alex is driven by the unwavering belief that bikes are fun!

Crystal SykesDirector, Employee Services & Workforce Development, Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human RightsCrystal provides operational and strategic oversight of Heartland Alliance’s employment practice and workforce development efforts. She previously served as HR Business Part-ner, directly supporting five portfolios with her expertise in training and development, employee and labor relations, and organizational development. Prior to Heartland Alliance, Crystal worked for Chicago Public Schools. She holds a master’s degree in Public Adminis-tration and bachelor’s degree in HR Management.

Lanetta Haynes TurnerExecutive Director, Justice Advisory Council, Cook County Office of the PresidentLanetta’s office is charged with spearheading Cook County Board President Toni Preck-winkle’s criminal and juvenile justice reform agenda. She advises the President’s Office on policies to reduce the over-reliance on detention and incarceration in Cook County, man-ages more than $5 million in grants to support recidivism reduction and violence preven-tion, and collaborates and convenes the other public safety offices on various initiatives. Lanetta is the administration’s primary spokesperson on matters relating to public safety.

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