(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—has elected a new Board of Governors chair and five new Board members.
MPC is proud that our 2017 Board is our most diverse leadership team in our 82-year history. In a region that embraces many different kinds of people, but also struggles with providing everyone with the opportunities they need to access the life they want to live, MPC is making strides to reflect the region.
MPC’s Board is comprised of senior business and civic leaders who lend their expertise and influence to advance the organization’s priorities. In 2017, MPC priorities include groundbreaking research on the negative effects of segregation on Chicagoland and policy suggestions to change that; the development of a water resource guide for municipalities; and outreach and advocacy to assist communities in improving their riverfronts.
MPC’s Board chair for 2017 to 2018 is Todd C. Brown, a former executive vice president at Kraft Foods, Inc. and Vice Chairman of ShoreBank Corporation. Brown is a seasoned corporate executive with a track record of success in multiple senior management positions combined with significant corporate and nonprofit board experiences. In addition to being a longtime MPC Board member, he serves as a board member for Horizon BCBS, Radio Systems Corporation and the School of the Art Institute. Brown earned his bachelor's degree from Colgate University and also holds master's degrees from The Wharton Graduate School and Columbia University. He is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, the Economic Club of Chicago and a trustee emeritus of Colgate University.
“I am excited to be taking the helm at a transformative time for MPC and the Chicago region,” Brown said. “Our city and region face many challenges, from fiscal uncertainty to growing inequality. MPC, with its 82-year track record of making our region a better place to live and work, is well positioned to face these challenges head on and help us seize the opportunities they present.”
MPC is excited to welcome the following five people to our Board of Governors for a 2017 to 2019 term:
Chuck Kaiser, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Chicago, Edelman.
Kaiser has 20 years of corporate communications experience across a diversified roster of industry sectors that include technology, automotive, financial services and insurance. He has managed campaigns on a wide spectrum of communications initiatives, comprising executive positioning, issues management, financial communications, merger & acquisitions, marketing communications and corporate social responsibility. Kaiser received bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Savi Pai, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Chase.
Savi Pai is an executive director with J.P.Morgan Private Bank. As a banker on the team, Pai is responsible for business development and for overseeing client relationships by working with an integrated team of specialists. She has 25 years of experience in the financial industry. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan Chase, Pai was president of a mutual fund company formed by the American College of Surgeons for its members and related associations. Her responsibilities included directing the investment process, business development and Board management. Pai is a Board member or Trustee of Chicago Debate Commission, Arts Club of Chicago and University Club of Chicago Foundation. She holds her bachelor’s from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from De Paul University College of Law.
Julian G. Posada, Chief Operating and Enterprise Officer, The Resurrection Project.
Posada has more than 25 years of leadership experience in both the private and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining TRP’s senior management team, he was executive vice president of marketing and strategy for the Chicago Sun Times. His professional career includes tenure as president of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, founder and president of Café Media and general manager and founder of Hoy Newspaper. He currently sits on the boards of the Chicago Parks Foundation, Taproot Foundation and Otho Sprague Memorial Foundation. Julian holds a bachelor’s in economics and management from Michigan State University and a master’s from Kellogg, Northwestern University.
Tyronne Stoudemire, Vice President Global Diversity and Inclusion, Hyatt Corporation.
Stoudemire has more than 20 years of experience in diversity and inclusion, and human resource management. He has held a number of senior leadership roles including global head of diversity at Hewitt AON and principal talent consultant at Mercer before joining Hyatt. At Hyatt Worldwide, Mr. Stoudemire works with the senior leadership team to implement culture, talent and marketplace strategies that leverage diversity to grow the business across the company’s portfolio of brands. A proven thought leader in the space of diversity and inclusion, who seeks to enable a transformation of mindset, he is a visionary leader and strategist. Stoudemire is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and adjunct professor at Kellogg School of Management.
Melissa Y. Washington, Vice President of External Affairs and Large Customer Services, ComEd.
Washington leads the External Affairs and Large Customer Service organization in continuing to build strong relationships with municipalities and communities, as well as large customers. Before returning to ComEd and taking the role as vice president of external affairs and large customer services, Washington served as the vice president of corporate affairs for Exelon Corporation, where she oversaw the day-to-day outreach in Washington, D.C., for the successful merger between Exelon & Pepco Holdings Incorporated. She is a board member for Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) and Chicago Children's Advocacy Center (CCAC). Washington has a bachelor’s in finance from the Lewis University and a master’s from Keller Graduate School of Management.
“Change is tough, but our region has a track record of bouncing back from the challenges that hobble us,” said MPC President MarySue Barrett. “MPC looks to our talented volunteers across the business, government and community sectors to help us connect the dots between regional needs, challenges and solutions. We are pleased to have recruited a diverse and skillful team to get the job done in 2017 and beyond.”
For more information, contact MPC Director of Marketing and Communications Emily Blum at 312 863 6018 or eblum@metroplanning.org. Photos are available upon request.