Background and Qualifications

Professional Positions

Prior to the establishment of Community Counsel, Irene  served as  the Planning and Development Coordinator for Alderman Toni Preckwinkle where she managed  planning, redevelopment and zoning projects for a ward with one of the 'hottest' real estate markets in Chicago.  She also launched and managed the Cottage Grove planning study and the Lake Park Corridor project.  Both efforts continue to progress towards implementation.

As the Business District Coordinator for the South East Chicago Commission (SECC) from 1996 -2001,  Irene developed  a successful business district program that was considered a model by Chicago's Department of Planning & Development.  She also initiated and directed a community planning effort that lead to an investment of over $1.8 million in streetscape improvements and the establishment of the 53rd Street TIF district.

           

Irene also created a business assistance and recruitment program that utilized city resources and established relationships with property owners and  businesses.  She cultivated a network of  commercial real estate brokers and developers interested in development opportunities in Hyde Park.  As part of this project, she created a popular, high quality portfolio of materials about Hyde Park.

                                      

As Executive Director of neighborhood development corporations in the Hyde Park and Rogers Park communities in Chicago, Irene developed strong skills in non-profit organizational and management issues.  She was employed by  the Department of Economic Development during the Harold Washington administration and held a variety of increasingly responsible positions including City Planner, Assistant to the Commissioner, and Manager of Navy Pier.

Education

Master of City Planning, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

BA, Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Current Affiliations:

Founder and Chair, Harold Washington Park Advisory Council

President, 5100 S. Hyde Park Blvd. Condo Association,

Member, Mayor Daley's Green Urban Design Advisory Council, 2006

Coordinator, Hyde Park Walk to School Day 2004, 2005,

Member, American Planning Association

Member, Main Street Program, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Member, East Hyde Park Committee.

Awards

Recognition of Excellance to the Harold Washington Park Advisory Council, Chicago Park District, September 2005

Neighborhood Enhancement Grant for beautification of Hyde Park Blvd. traffic island, March 2005

Elaine Stein (Volulnteer) Award, 1995-96 Jewish Community Centers of Chicago