Kendra Jackson Freeman Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Provides strategic leadership, management, and guidance of MPC’s policy and systems changeinitiatives with a focus on the built environment. Oversees program operations, strategydevelopment and work planning for a team of fifteen program staff. Works with the seniorleadership team and MPC board to set organizational policy and culture, cultivate cross-sectorpartnerships and build awareness of MPC’s work.

Oversight of MPC’s equitable development initiatives which includes housing policyand equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD) programs and guides the organization’sapproach to proactive stakeholder engagement in research, policy advocacy and technicalassistance.• Elevated Chicago Steering Committee: Directed over $5M in grants as member ofElevated Steering Committee through a participatory grantmaking process developedwith the coalition. Co-chaired the Systems Change Policy Working Group anddevelopment and advocacy for the city’s ETOD policy plan and subsequent ConnectedCommunities Ordinance.• Corridor Development Initiative: Led MPC’s community-centered planning process toinform the future of publicly held properties being developed within TOD eligiblegeographies. Support included local charettes, analysis or potential developmentscenarios and support to public agencies in applying recommendations to thedisposition process.• Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel: Served on ULI Technical AssistancePanel to evaluate and develop recommendations for the equitable redevelopment onthe I-35 expressway. This plan sought to address underlying issues of racial andeconomic segregation and displacement as well as provide a framework for communityparticipation throughout the process.

Greater Chicago Area

Responsible for project management, research and policy development for MPC’s work in housing and community development and leading the Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) program which includes advocacy, outreach and technical assistance. My work includes scoping new opportunities, managing and engaging external partners and cultivating relationships to support new and ongoing projects, including the Cost of Segregation and Elevated Chicago.

Greater Chicago Area

Directed the daily operations and protection of the organization's financial assets while ensuring compliance with Board directives and applicable grantor, federal, and state requirements. Primary duties include grant administration and contract compliance; board management and development; personnel management; fund development; and proposal writing.Oversight of fee-for-service contracts and government grants in excess of $1.5M. Engaged with 75% of clients annually; resulting in reduction of turnovers due to eviction. Of clients who set goals, 65% completed them with gains in new employment, job training, and continuing education.Created and managed annual budget of $2M.Developed funding strategies involving grants, corporate contributions, donations and fee-for -service opportunities to raise annual income by 40%. Built collaborative relationships with local agencies to enhance services for clients in the area of health and wellness, financial literacy, workforce development and youth development. Brokered agreements with partnering providers to address program gaps and leverage resources. Additional on-site opportunities included financial literacy seminars, parenting workshops, and youth mentoring programs. Managed of over 25 staff and interns serving a caseload of over 2,000 clients at multiple sites. Advocated for constituents through participation in neighborhood advisory councils, policy action groups, and industry round tables. Facilitated neighborhood association of different economic groups to address common issues such as safety, employment, land use, and youth and family issues.

Directed all aspects of the design, implementation and management of human capital initiatives for the mixed-finance housing portfolio. Oversight of case management, workforce development and community building programs and obtaining contract goals set by funders. Met 80% or more of contracted goals on an annual basis.Held pivotal role to procure new projects that required a social service component through proposal writing and participation in public presentations. Served as primary liaison for contractual obligations for government and nonprofit agencies.

Greater Chicago Area

Created organizational structure, including agency policies and procedures, fiscal management system, and monitored board development. Oversaw service contracts and management of federal grants and increased agency’s capacity through successful execution of fundraising events and securing corporate sponsorships. Responsible for securing $720,000 in federal funding to sustain support services to clients. Oversight of 6 site offices and supervised program staff providing case management, workforce development, and community-building services to families and seniors.Developed partnerships to leverage resources and provide site-based youth development programs including mentoring, tutoring and academic enrichment. Led annual staff training and retreat to provide vision and build cohesion among the team.

Fulcrum Fellowship

The Fulcrum Fellowship positions leaders to collaborate across silos and sectors to change how community investment is organized.

Cue Fellowship

The Chicago United for Equity (CUE) Equity Fellowship is a year-long program designed to bring together 15-20 leaders across identities.

Chicago Urban League Impact Executive Leadership Program

IMPACT empowers young, Black executives by providing them with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in increasingly responsible.

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