Torrence Gardner
Chicago,IL
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Staff
IL State Rep. Kelly Cassidy
12.2021 - 11.2024
- Set and prioritized over 20 policy initiatives and legislation.
- Organized IL House of Representatives Reproductive Rights Working Group that pushed legislation protecting and expanding reproductive rights for women.
- Collaborated with stakeholders, constituents, organizations, and House staff on crucial policy matters.
Director of Economic & Community Planning
49th Ward
05.2019 - 12.2021
- Authored and advanced landmark legislation recognizing Juneteenth as a Chicago holiday.
- Formulated comprehensive long-term and short-term planning.
- Provided advice and facilitated application and permitting process for businesses
- Established and directed COVID-19 community response team.
- Addressed and resolved various zoning concerns.
Urban Planning Intern
The Lakota Group
02.2019 - 04.2019
- Formulating maps to identify municipality's current conditions.
- Edited and designed final reports.
- Created 3D models to carry out land use planning efforts.
Research Associate Intern
American Planning Association
05.2018 - 02.2019
- Cataloged & synthesized previous research on planning-related topics.
- Drafted short encyclopedia entries for planning related-topics.
- Drafted short annotations for cataloged resources.
Planning & Zoning Intern
City of Evanston
05.2018 - 08.2018
- Reviewed, research and update neighborhood plans.
- Reviewed special use and zoning variation applications.
- Prepared & drafted staff review memorandums upon review.
Development Director
Black Tech Mecca
01.2016 - 07.2017
- Established criteria for current & prospective sponsors helping to raise over 20,000.
- Efficiently managed email inquiries and offered solutions.
- Matched minority talent and services with partner companies.
- Oversaw event logistics for networking events with 1,000 plus attendees.
Partnership Development Manager
NextTier Education
04.2015 - 01.2016
- Managed national & local partnerships that carried product by responding to complaints or issues through on-boarding process - on-boarded 2 citywide school districts.
- Collaborated with marketing team to develop more user-friendly app strategies.
Education
Master of Urban Planning & Policy -
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL09.2020
Bachelor of Science Degree - Political Science
Illinois State University
Normal, IL08.2013
Skills
- Organizational leadership
- Strategic planning
- Nonprofit experience
- Leadership experience
Timeline
Chief of Staff
IL State Rep. Kelly Cassidy
12.2021 - 11.2024
Director of Economic & Community Planning
49th Ward
05.2019 - 12.2021
Urban Planning Intern
The Lakota Group
02.2019 - 04.2019
Research Associate Intern
American Planning Association
05.2018 - 02.2019
Planning & Zoning Intern
City of Evanston
05.2018 - 08.2018
Development Director
Black Tech Mecca
01.2016 - 07.2017
Partnership Development Manager
NextTier Education
04.2015 - 01.2016
Master of Urban Planning & Policy -
University of Illinois At Chicago
Bachelor of Science Degree - Political Science
Illinois State University
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