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 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.

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.

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.

Yazan is a graduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago pursuing a master's degree in urban planning and policy. Prior to his internship at North Branch Works, he worked in a logistics firm and, more recently, as a property manager for a wide range of condominium associations across the city. Yazan earned a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Northeastern Illinois University. During that time, he worked as a tutor for Arabic and, in the summer, he taught English for elementary students in Europe. 

His professional interests include economic development, spatial planning, public and commercial transportation, and equitable planning. As a Palestinian who was born in Columbia and raised in Jordan, Yazan now calls Chicago home. In fact, being an immigrant, he put his writing hobby to use by writing a short story about migrating to Chicago, which was later translated and converted to a play. Yazan has also played in a semi-professional soccer club competing in the Great Lakes region.