SECC Welcomes New Board Members
CHICAGO (May 1, 2019) – The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is delighted to welcome four new additions to the Board of Directors who are committed to the organization’s mission: facilitating and supporting economic development within the Southeast lakefront communities of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park, and Woodlawn.
Please join us in welcoming our new members:
Bernita Johnson-Gabriel is the Executive Vice President for Neighborhoods and Strategic Initiatives at World Business Chicago. She is responsible for leading the organization’s efforts to support economic growth and job creation for Chicago’s neighborhoods. She brings nearly 15 years of development experience to WBC, most recently as senior advisor for neighborhood development and housing for Mayor Rahm Emanuel. While serving with the Office of the Mayor, Johnson-Gabriel led several targeted economic development projects and neighborhood revitalization efforts to generate clear and impactful outcomes for communities on Chicago’s south and west sides. She also expanded the city’s development lens to include residential, transportation, infrastructure and other development data for a more holistic approach to neighborhood growth. Previously, Johnson-Gabriel served as executive director of the Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC), a neighborhood development organization serving Chicago’s south lakefront communities of North Kenwood, Oakland, Douglas and Grand Boulevard.
Jourdan Sorrell is the Director of Public Policy and Research for the Office of Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore of the 4th District. In this role, he drafts policy that serves the District and Cook County residents’ needs in the areas of criminal justice, contract compliance and real estate. Previously, he served as Director of Operations & Purchasing for the Office of Cook County Clerk David Orr and experience serving several non-profits. Jourdan has a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame, and completing his Master’s in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. He has been recognized for his leadership, professional accomplishments, and community service by media outlets and organizations including Ariel Investments, The Chicago Defender, Chicago Leadership Alliance, Chicago Scholars, and WVON radio.
Andre Brumfield is the Principal and Global Director of Planning and Global Design for Gensler. A Design Director in the Chicago office, he is focused on and committed to revitalizing and repositioning urban environments through urban design, master planning and architecture. Andre’s broad career experience includes: redevelopment in emerging urban districts; neighborhood and community revitalization; high-density, urban-infill; city-wide master planning; corporate campuses; and industrial centers. He has extensive experience in mixed-income housing and has crafted visionary, yet realistic revitalization plans that have been implemented in economically challenged urban areas. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute, working with the ULI|National League of Cities’ Rose Center for Public Leadership in Land Use, and as the Vice Chair of the ULI’s national Urban Revitalization Council.
Ben Anderson is a Senior Account Executive at FDAzilla, Inc. Ben is a business development professional based on the south side of Chicago in the Woodlawn neighborhood. He thrives in entrepreneurial environments and has enjoyed working with social enterprises, startups, & nonprofits. The intersection of business and social impact is where he is most passionate. In 2018, he worked alongside his neighbors and built Vernon Park Gardens, an off-grid flower farm, community garden & neighborhood stage. You can find Ben in his backyard feeding his chickens, taking a walk in Washington Park with his wife & daughter, or at one of the many local neighborhood meetings he attends.