Our People
Why Southland
Board of Directors
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Diane Williams
SDA Chair
Village of Flossmoor Trustee, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Board Member and Executive Committee -
![David Abshire]()
David Abshire
Vice President, LB Steel
SDA Leadership
Bo Kemp
Chief Executive Officer
Administration
708-400-7063
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Bo Kemp, a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, is the CEO of the Southland Development Authority. Kemp's career began in finance at Morgan Stanley and TSG Capital Group, followed by a pivotal role in Cory A. Booker’s transition to Mayor of Newark, N.J., leading to his position as the city’s Business Administrator (COO). With over 15 years of experience working with municipal executives across the nation, Kemp specializes in driving growth, major initiatives, and efficiency in municipalities through public-private partnerships. His expertise spans municipal utilities, public infrastructure, and economic development, particularly in legacy cities. Kemp's current focus is on harnessing the potential of Opportunity Zones.
Brandon Blackmer
Director,
Finance and Administration
708-722-4796
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Brandon holds an MBA from Xavier University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. With a decade of experience encompassing finance, operations, education, and real estate, Blackmer's diverse background includes managing property operations for Greystar and leading strategic finance and operations at Evoke Brand Strategies. His leadership skills extend to community service, where he is the president emeritus and consultant for a non-profit organization in his hometown. Blackmer's approach to financial problem-solving combines strategic vision with a people-centered focus, driving excellence and innovation at the Southland Development Authority.
Emmanuel Davila
Vice President
Programs & Client Services
708-575-6748
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Emmanuel Davila is a dynamic, bilingual professional with expertise in business and community development. He is fluent in English and Spanish and holds a BA in Arts, Entertainment, & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago, along with an MBA in Management from UIC.
With a strong track record in program management, grant acquisition, and strategic leadership, Emmanuel has been instrumental in the creation and execution of 26 small business and economic development programs since 2020. These initiatives have delivered over 4000 hours of business advising and funneled nearly $5 million in investment into Chicago’s South and West sides.
Key contributions include his role in formulating Puerto Rico Town’s 10-year economic development plan and the establishment of the BIS Hub in Humboldt Park, which secured over $3 million in funding. At Southland Development Authority, Emmanuel is dedicated to driving economic growth and nurturing an entrepreneurial environment in the Southland region.
Honored in Negocios Now "Latinos 40 Under 40, Chicago, 2021," and a recipient of the Remy Centaur Award for community development, Emmanuel is also passionate about Latin Urban music and enjoys family time with his daughter and fiancée.
Nicholas Greifer
Director,
Municipal Economic Development
708-522-6670
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Nicholas Greifer, a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.A. and M.P.P. degrees, is the Director of Municipal Economic Development, focusing on capacity building partnerships with Southland municipal governments. He currently leads major projects such as the redevelopment of the 130-acre Calumet Country Club as the primary economic development professional for the Village of Hazel Crest. Greifer's previous roles include economic development strategy and implementation for the Village of Brookfield and the City of Harvey, as well as a TIF/economic development finance consultant for Kane, McKenna, and Associates. His career began with the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) in Washington D.C.
Felicia D. Hardy
President
Administration
708-400-7063
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Felicia D. Hardy is a dynamic business leader with a proven track record in corporate strategy, enterprise development, and economic empowerment. A graduate of Purdue University’s School of Engineering and the University of Michigan Business School, she serves as President of the Southland Development Authority, leveraging her expertise to drive regional economic growth.
As CEO of Intuition Enterprise, Inc., Hardy specializes in mergers and acquisitions, business strategy, commercial real estate, and program management, helping organizations maximize profitability and operational efficiency. Her leadership spans global corporations, small businesses, and nonprofit sectors, where she has successfully led cross-functional teams in financial services, medical devices, consumer packaged goods, automotive, energy, logistics, and government.
A visionary and collaborative strategist, Hardy has served on the Board of Directors for the Southland Development Authority, contributing to initiatives that foster sustainable economic development. Passionate about connecting people and creating solutions, she remains committed to driving business growth and transformative impact.
Joe van Dyk
Vice President of Redevelopment,
Land Bank
708-295-7977
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Joe Van Dyk, with a graduate degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an undergraduate degree from Fordham University, serves as the Executive Director of the South Suburban Land Bank & Development Authority (SSLBDA). His over a decade-long career in public service includes expertise in planning, redevelopment, public policy, and economic development. Van Dyk has held significant roles in Gary, IN, and the Pacific Northwest, focusing on housing and homelessness. His leadership in various boards, including the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority and the Land County Land Bank Authority, has solidified his reputation in strategic planning and public service.
SDA Staff
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Sara Altwal
Marketing Manager, Administration
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Sergio Anariba
Business Education Manager, Client Services
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Paulina Caratachea
Program Coordinator, Client Services
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Christopher Cooks
Relationship Manager,
Client Services -
Alex Curio
Grants Manager,
Administration -
Nigel Griswold
Data Analysis/GIS Mapping Consultant, Land Bank
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Erik Krieg
Accounting Consultant, Administration
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Michael Lofton
Program Director,
Land Bank -
Jamie Makuch
Relationship Manager
Client Services -
Jennifer Martinez
Applied Data Fellow, Data Management & Marketing
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Brian Mott
Manager, Real Estate and Construction Services
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Nia Muhammad
Coordinator,
Land Bank -
Laurence Patterson II
Relationship Manager,
Client Services -
Jay Readey
Managing Director, Harvey Housing Initiative
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Antoine Scott
Relationship Manager,
Client Services -
Anissa Smith
Senior Assistant to the CEO, Administration
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Michael Smith
Food Park/Green Energy Consultant, Administration
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Richard Thornton
Building Maintenance & Rehabilitation, Land Bank
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Liz Thorpe
Office Manager,
Administration -
Marisela Zambrano
Relationship Manager,
Client Services