CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson announces the following updates to Mayor’s Office personnel.   

Mayor’s Office   

Khari Humphries has been appointed Deputy Mayor for Education and Youth. Humphries brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofit work, social services, affordable housing, and community engagement to serve Chicago’s youth, families, and neighborhoods. Humphries previously served as the 1st Deputy for the portfolio. Prior to that role, Humphries spent almost a decade as the Senior Manager of Community Life at the Community Builders, Inc. Humphries holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University.  

Penny Smith is serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the City of Chicago. Smith is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Intercultural Development Instrument (IDI) Qualified Administrator. Smith brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and leadership development to this role. Prior to this role, she led the Policy and Leadership Department at Erikson Institute as the executive director. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Science degree in training and development from the University of St. Francis.  

Jung Yoon is serving as Chief of Policy for Mayor Johnson. Yoon previously served as Assistant Deputy of Policy and led the launch of Green Social Housing. Before joining the Johnson administration, Yoon co-chaired the Mayor’s Environmental Justice transition committee. Yoon has over a decade of experience in various policy, research, and organizing roles at Grassroots Collaborative, SEIU Healthcare, and SEIU Local 1. Yoon holds a BA from Ohio State University in International Economic Development.  

Intergovernmental Affairs  

John Arena is serving as the Director of State Legislative Affairs. A former Alderman for Chicago’s 45th Ward (2011-2019), Arena co-founded the Chicago Progressive Reform Caucus. He is a marketing professional with more than 30 years of experience developing strategies for a variety of clients. Arena holds a BFA from Northern Illinois University.   

Emily Melbye is the Director of the City Council Intergovernmental Affairs team. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office, she worked for Ald. Daniel La Spata in the 1st Ward, and served as Chief of Staff for State Representatives Will Guzzardi, 39th District, and Ann Williams, 11th District. She holds an MA from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and is a proud graduate of DePaul University.  

Department of Finance   

Michael Belsky has been appointed to serve as the City of Chicago’s Comptroller. Belsky previously served as the Executive Director of the Center for Municipal Finance at the Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago. Belsky also served as the Managing Director for Fixed Income at Greenwich Investment Management, a firm specializing in high-yield municipal bonds. Prior to joining Greenwich Investment Management, he worked in the municipal finance industry for over 30 years. Belsky also served two terms as a member of the City Council in Highland Park, Illinois (1995–2003), and two terms as mayor of Highland Park (2003–11). Belsky received a BA in urban studies from Lake Forest College and an MA in public policy from the University of Chicago.  

Mayor’s Press Office   

Erin Connelly is serving as the Communications Director for Mayor Johnson. Connelly has 15 years of experience in strategic communications and public affairs, working for a number of campaigns, agencies, and nonprofits across the United States. Connelly served as Communications Advisor to Congresswoman Delia Ramirez. She is an alumnus of the 2012 Obama Campaign and served as a consultant to Organizing for Action (OFA) as a healthcare and gun violence prevention advocate. Connelly holds a BA in political Science from DePaul University and a JD from DePaul University College of Law.   

Cassio Mendoza is serving as Mayor Johnson’s Press Secretary. Mendoza previously served as the Deputy Press Secretary for Western Pennsylvania for the Harris for President campaign. Prior to that campaign, Mendoza served as the Deputy Press Secretary for Education, Youth, and Human Services for Mayor Johnson. Mendoza holds a BA from Northwestern University.   

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