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Our Staff

Jonathan Snyder

Executive Director
jonathan@northbranchworks.org:10033

Jonathan oversees a dynamic organization which supports businesses and communities in the North Branch, Addison, and Kennedy industrial corridors. He has successfully led programs designed to improve businesses and expand opportunities.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he previously lived in Philadelphia, but is thrilled to call Chicago his home. He holds a Bachelor of History and a Master of City Planning degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He currently resides in the East Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago along with his wife, Kate, and their dog, Orson.

Steve Simmons

Director of Business and Economic Development
steve@northbranchworks.org:10033

Steve joined North Branch Works as Director of Business and Economic Development in June 2020. He brings over thirteen years of experience leading successful advocacy campaigns across multiple policy areas including workforce development, environment, and transportation.

His focus areas include business outreach, member recruitment, communications, and economic development. Steve is excited to build partnerships and advance an environment along the North Branch where businesses can thrive, expand, and create family-sustaining jobs. Steve is an avid cyclist and enjoys neighborhood greenways and trails.

He has a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration and lives in Logan Square with his wife, Crispina.

(773) 929-5552 x2226

Misty LeBlanc

SARFS Program Manager
misty@northbranchworks.org:10033

Misty joined North Branch Works as a computer skills trainee in January 2011. Upon successful completion of four Microsoft Office certification classes, she was hired on under a transitional jobs program, which later developed into a permanent full time position. She has proved a vital part of the Workforce Development side of NBW.

She currently manages the Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors Program (SARFS) and assists with the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Program (BACP). Some of Misty’s administration responsibilities include marketing, intake, assessment and site visits to enroll seniors into the SARFS Program. She also plays a supportive role in field coordination, payroll and the vouchering processes of the program. Misty is an alumni of the LEEDers for Training group.

(773) 929-5552 x2235

Reggie Hamilton

SARFS Field Program Manager
reggie@northbranchworks.org:10033

Reggie has over seventeen years of construction experience, including concrete, carpentry, tiling, flooring, rehab, plumbing, and drywall repair and installation.

A graduate of several of NBW’s and Delta Institute’s training programs, including BPI BA and Installer certification training, he has developed expertise in steel framing and accessibility ramp building. Over the course of his eleven years with NBW, he has proved to be an exceptional building mechanic as well as an expert shop and tool maintenance professional.

(773) 929-5552 x2231

Genevieve Cook

Outreach Associate

Genevieve Cook joined North Branch Works as Outreach Associate in July of 2023. She will work to build and maintain strong relationships with local companies and organizations by assessing their needs within the community and connecting them to programs and resources. Genevieve will also be involved in event planning, webinars, and capacity building.

Genevieve graduated from Lawrence University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies. Her degree track was in Human Security, focusing primarily on social and economic development and microfinance. During her time at Lawrence, she tutored in Political Science and was an Editor for The Lawrentian. She also studied abroad in Ecuador, where she was able to conduct research on the impact of microcredit on the lives of Ecuadorian women. Having worked as a Community Outreach Coordinator for the Illinois General Assembly after graduation, she is excited to bring that skillset to our organization. She looks forward to becoming a part of the diverse and beautiful North Branch community.