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CNU Staff
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John O. Norquist John Norquist's work promoting New Urbanism as an alternative to sprawl and antidote to sprawl's social and environmental problems draws on his experience as big-city mayor and prominent participant in national discussions on urban design and school reform. John was the Mayor of Milwaukee from 1988-2004. Under his leadership, Milwaukee experienced a decline in poverty, saw a boom in new downtown housing, and became a leading center of education and welfare reform. He oversaw a revision of the city's zoning code and reoriented development around walkable streets and public amenities such as the city's 3.1-mile Riverwalk. Named a Governing magazine Public Official of the Year during his tenure as Mayor, he also widespread recognition for championing the removal of a .8 mile stretch of elevated freeway, clearing the way for an anticipated $250 million in infill development in the heart of Milwaukee. At CNU he has joined local activists in numerous cities as a key champion of plans to replace freeways with boulevards. A leader in national discussions of urban design and educational issues, Norquist is the author of The Wealth of Cities, and has taught courses in urban policy and urban planning at the University of Chicago, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and at Marquette University. Norquist served in the Army Reserves from 1971 to 1977, earned his undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin. He represented Milwaukee's south and west sides in the Wisconsin Legislature. He chaired the National League of Cities Task Force on Federal Policy and Family Poverty and served on the Amtrak Reform Council. He is married to CNU Board Member Susan Mudd. They have two children, Benjamin and Katherine. A springtime view from John's office |
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Mindy Martinez
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Heather Smith Heather is an urban planner responsible for supporting the CNU member Initiatives and planning the annual Congress program. She joined CNU in January 2005. Before joining CNU, she coordinated the Metropolis Plan activities for Chicago Metropolis 2020, a regional planning organization. Prior to working in Chicago she received an American Planning fellowship to advance sustainable development and planning issues in the United States Senate. Heather holds a masters degree in urban planning and previously worked for the New York City Department of City Planning. Heather enjoys biking to work, sailing, swimming, and kayaking in her free time. |
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Sandrine Milanello Sandrine, who joined the organization in November 2002, dedicates her time to organizing CNU's annual Congress. After receiving a BA in Marketing from San Francisco State University in 1998, Sandrine worked as a marketing coordinator and meeting planner for the Astronomical Society of the Pacific for several years. Outside of CNU, Sandrine spends her time rafting beautiful white water rivers, camping, and socializing. |
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Stephen Filmanowicz A writer and communications specialist with experience in government and journalism, Filmanowicz concentrates on media and member communications. Before joining CNU, he oversaw communications in the office of then Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist. As a media and policy specialist in the city's Department of City Development, Filmanowicz directed the media rollout for the city's Downtown Plan, the public relations surrounding the implementation of its urban real estate development strategies, and local press outreach for CNU IIX in Milwaukee. Formerly, Stephen was a magazine editor and writer whose honors include a gold award from the City and Regional Magazine Association for urban design criticism. |
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Abigail Bouzan-Kaloustian Abby joined CNU in March 2008 as the new Administration and Finance Director. Prior to joining CNU, she received a degree in Biology from Bucknell University and worked as the Director of Administration and Programs for the Neighborhood Technology Resource Center, a not-for-profit located in Chicago. In her spare time, Abby enjoys running along the lakefront and traveling home to Maine. |
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Nora June Beck Nora joined the staff of CNU in December 2005 to lend executive support to John Norquist as well as assistance to CNU's planning, policy, and design initiatives. While completing her graduate degree in urban planning at the University of Michigan (MUP, 2005), she focused on environmental planning techniques and developed a brownfield redevelopment strategy for Flint, Michigan. After finishing her BS in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001, Nora served as a watershed stewardship coordinator for the City of Portland through the Americorps program, developing an interest in water resource management. |
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Lee Crandell Lee joined CNU in November 2005 after working part-time to assist with special projects and Congress planning. His primary focus is supporting the membership and Chapters. Prior to CNU, he worked as communications and development associate at Illinois Action for Children, as an editor at PR Newswire and an event coordinator at the Department of Culture in Neuss, Germany. He holds a BA in English from James Madison University. Outside of work, Lee serves on the board of his neighborhood association and enjoys urban hiking. |
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Juantiki Jones
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Payton Chung Payton joined CNU's headquarters staff in March 2004, after six years as a CNU member. He is the main contact for reference inquiries and coordinates technology and special projects for the office. Prior to CNU, Payton attended the University of Chicago and did contract research on a variety of topics, including municipal affordable housing policy, urban design zoning, bicycle facility funding, and retailers' format preferences. Payton bikes to work from Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, where he maintains a community garden plot and brakes for both pedestrians and pastry shops. |
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