Our People

Why Southland

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Nathaniel K. Sutton

SDA Chair
President, Sutton Ford Lincoln Mercury
David Abshire

Vice President, LB Steel
David Agosto

Chief Development Officer,  Kaufman Jacobs
Vernard Alsberry

President, Village of  Hazel Crest, Immediate  Past President, SSMMA
Frank Clark

Former CEO (retired), ComEd
Kristi DeLaurentiis

Executive Director, South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association
David Doig

President, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives
Felicia Hardy

President, Southland Development Authority
Craig Howard

Program Director (Retired), MacArthur Foundation
Bo Kemp

CEO, Southland Development Authority
Steve Koch

Managing Partner, Bowline Group; Former Deputy Mayor, City of Chicago
Rick Reinbold

President, Village of  Richton Park; Director, South Suburban Land Bank & Development Authority
Irene Sherr

Assistant Deputy Bureau Chief, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development
Robert Weissbourd

President, RW Ventures, LLC
Diane Williams

Village of Flossmoor Trustee, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Board Member and Executive Committee
Nancy Wilson

CEO, Morrison Container Handling Solutions

Chief Executive Officer
Administration
708-400-7063

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.

Vice President
Programs & Client Services

708-575-6748

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.