Metropolitan Planning Council
(Chicago) … The Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC)—a nonprofit that helps governments, businesses and communities develop solutions to meet metropolitan Chicago's pressing needs, so that everyone who lives and works here can thrive—is thrilled to announce three additions to our team: a new vice president of philanthropy; director of research and evaluation; and manager of housing and community development.
Janet Myers
Alden Loury
Kendra Freeman
Janet Myers, Alden Loury and Kendra Freeman bring years of experience in their respective fields—fundraising, research and affordable housing development—to the organization’s more than 80-year history advocating for solutions to tough issues like segregation, transportation infrastructure and water supply and stormwater management.
“Metropolitan Planning Council has a long history of spurring creative and practical solutions to tackle our region’s and others’ most pressing challenges,” said MPC President MarySue Barrett. “Increasingly, making that happen requires strong relationships, data-driven arguments and advocacy around intertwined issues like persistent segregation and uncoordinated regional growth. We are thrilled to have these leaders advancing our agenda for a stronger Chicagoland.”
Janet Myers joined MPC in May 2016 as vice president of philanthropy. She oversees MPC’s relationship building and fundraising efforts, including individual giving, foundation and corporate giving, planned gifts and special events. Prior to joining MPC, Myers was director of development for the John Felice Rome Center at Loyola University Chicago. She also spent several years at Rush University Medical Center, where she focused on major gifts during Rush’s successful $300 million comprehensive campaign.
A lifelong Chicagoan, Myers received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Loyola University Chicago. She is a member of the Auxiliary Board at the Chicago Architecture Foundation and has lent her fundraising experience to a wide variety of nonprofits in a volunteer capacity. Myers is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“MPC is known for developing creative, practical solutions to the Chicago region’s most pressing challenges,” said Myers. “I’m excited about making those solutions a reality by raising the awareness and profile of MPC’s agenda, and the resources to achieve it.”
Alden Loury joined MPC in May 2016 as the director of research and evaluation. He works with staff and consultants to identify and execute MPC’s research agenda and to attract media attention for MPC’s findings. Prior to joining MPC, Loury worked for the Better Government Association serving first as an investigative reporter and then as a policy analyst. Loury also spent 12 years at The Chicago Reporter serving as a reporter, editor and publisher.
Loury has discussed his work on CNN, WTTW Chicago Tonight, Chicago Public Radio and the local affiliates for ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and WGN. His research has appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Los Angeles Times, Forbes, Chicago Magazine and The Chicago Defender. A Chicago native, Loury grew up in the LeClaire Courts public housing development and the South Side's Auburn Gresham neighborhood, where he lives today. Loury is married and has three daughters.
“MPC’s work focuses on telling a cohesive story about the issues facing our region and others,” said Loury. “I’m looking forward to gaining a better understanding of those issues and making the case for solutions through compelling research that demonstrates both the interconnectedness of our challenges and the best path for the future.”
Kendra Freeman is a manager for MPC’s work in housing and community development, including the Cost of Segregation initiative. Prior to MPC, Freeman spent more than 15 years in affordable housing development and management at Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation, where her work focused on investing in people to improve the quality of life in their communities. Most recently Freeman served as executive director of Holsten Human Capital Development, NFP. Freeman is a native Chicagoan, South Suburban resident and licensed real estate broker. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in public administration from DePaul University. She serves on the board of directors for Storycatchers Theatre and is a volunteer tax preparer for the Center for Economic Progress.
“Chicago’s growth and affordability challenges are intertwined. Equitable development that brings housing, retail and high quality jobs to communities is a big part of the solution,” said Freeman. “I’m excited to continue my career at an organization with more than 80 years of history in affordable housing advocacy.”
For more than 80 years, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has made the Chicago region a better place to live and work by partnering with businesses, communities and governments to address the area’s toughest planning and development challenges.
For more information, please contact MPC Communications Director Mandy Burrell Booth at 312.863.6018 or mburrell@metroplanning.org. Photos are available upon request.