Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Personnel Updates
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced several updates to the personnel within his office, bringing in a diverse and experienced team to help lead the city forward.

Khari Humphries has been appointed as the Deputy Mayor for Education and Youth. With over 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofit work, social services, affordable housing, and community engagement, Humphries is well-equipped to serve Chicago's youth, families, and neighborhoods. He previously served as the 1st Deputy for the portfolio and spent almost a decade as the Senior Manager of Community Life at the Community Builders, Inc. Humphries holds a bachelor's degree from Saint Xavier University.

Penny Smith has been selected as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the City of Chicago. Smith brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and leadership development to this role. She is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Intercultural Development Instrument (IDI) Qualified Administrator. Prior to joining Mayor Johnson's team, she led the Policy and Leadership Department at Erikson Institute as executive director. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Science degree in training and development from the University of St. Francis.

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Jung Yoon will serve as Chief of Policy for Mayor Johnson. Yoon previously held the role of Assistant Deputy of Policy and led the launch of Green Social Housing. Before joining the Johnson administration, Yoon co-chaired the Mayor's Environmental Justice transition committee. With over a decade of experience in various policy, research, and organizing roles at Grassroots Collaborative, SEIU Healthcare, and SEIU Local 1, Yoon brings valuable expertise to this position. She holds a BA from Ohio State University in International Economic Development.

In Intergovernmental Affairs, John Arena has been appointed as Director of State Legislative Affairs. A former Alderman for Chicago's 45th Ward from 2011 to 2019, Arena co-founded the Chicago Progressive Reform Caucus. With over 30 years of experience as a marketing professional, he will bring strategic thinking and expertise to this role. Arena holds a BFA from Northern Illinois University.

Emily Melbye will serve as the Director of the City Council Intergovernmental Affairs team. Prior to joining the Mayor's Office, she worked for Alderman Daniel La Spata in the 1st Ward and served as Chief of Staff for State Representatives Will Guzzardi, 39th District, and Ann Williams, 11th District. Melbye holds an MA from the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy and is a proud graduate of DePaul University.

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Michael Belsky has been appointed as the City of Chicago's Comptroller within the Department of Finance. Belsky previously served as the Executive Director of the Center for Municipal Finance at the Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago. He also has over 30 years of experience in the municipal finance industry and served two terms as a member of the City Council in Highland Park, Illinois (1995-2003) and two terms as mayor (2003-2011). Belsky received a BA in urban studies from Lake Forest College and an MA in public policy from the University of Chicago.

Erin Connelly will serve as Communications Director for Mayor Johnson. With 15 years of experience in strategic communications and public affairs, Connelly has worked for various campaigns, agencies, and nonprofits across the United States. She previously served as Communications Advisor to Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and was an alumnus of the 2012 Obama Campaign. Connelly holds a BA in political science from DePaul University and a JD from DePaul University College of Law.

Cassio Mendoza has been appointed as Mayor Johnson's Press Secretary. Mendoza previously served as Deputy Press Secretary for Western Pennsylvania for the Harris for President campaign and as Deputy Press Secretary for Education, Youth, and Human Services for Mayor Johnson. He holds a BA from Northwestern University.

With these new appointments, Mayor Johnson's office is well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing Chicago and continue to move the city forward. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences that will contribute to the success of the administration.

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