CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Carlos Nelson has lead the GAGDC since 2003. He is a mechanical engineer and certified project manager, focusing on construction and real estate development. Carlos has been a part of the Auburn Gresham community his entire life and strongly desires to help those in need. He left corporate America in 2003 to become the Executive Director of the organization and has been dedicated to rebuilding his community ever since.

SENIOR DIRECTOR

Linda Johnson is an accomplished real estate developer and investor with a history of community involvement. Linda is an organization guru and leads the Housing & Senior Services Pillar that manages several important programs, such as Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) and the Micro Market Recovery Program (MMRP). She brings the patience of a teacher and her no-nonsense approach to budget matters.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Kaysha brings to the table more than two decades of financial, accounting, and managerial experience in the nonprofit sector, having dealt with organizational budgets exceeding $15 million. In her role as CFO, Kaysha assumes the mantle of providing financial leadership for the GAGDC's business and finance functions, while also overseeing the management of its financial and capital resources.

DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN GREEN TEAM (UGT)

Hubert Newkirk has spent nearly 40 years working in the community as a store manager for Jewel Food Stores and Dominick's Finer Foods. Prior to joining GAGDC in 2007, he was the City of Chicago Ward Superintendent for the Department of Streets and Sanitation Since joining GAGDC, he has grown the Litter Free Zone Initiative into the Urban Green Team, which as GAGDC’s social enterprise, focuses on improving our neighborhood's.

FISCAL CONTRACTS MANAGER

Since joining the organization, Tanya has elevated the GAGDC's contract compliance acumen resulting in highly regarded fiscal management of governmental funds, including city, county, state and federal levels. Tanya earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL INITIATIVES

Norma Sanders has dedicated many years to working on technology planning, program management, and integration in non-profit organizations. She has a strong background in vendor management, customer relationship management, and program management of large, diverse initiatives. Norma has a passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), journalism, and supporting high-quality education for youth.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Ray Thompson is currently the Director of Education and Youth Development at Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation. Ray Thompson also leads strategic development research for GAGDC. He has worked in a range of professional capacities for respected Chicago-area social service agencies and educational institutions. He earned a BA in sociology from University of Illinois at Chicago and AM from University of Chicago’s School of Service Administration.with a focus in community change, education, and youth development.

EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR TO THE CEO / HEALTH & WELLNESS PILLAR LEADER

Kathryn serves as the Executive Administrator to the CEO and Leader of the Health & Wellness Pillar at GAGDC. Kathryn has served leaders in the corporate, banking, public service, and political sectors. For 20 years, Kathryn navigated constituents and organizations to state programs, services and resources as well as supported the Assistant Majority Leader in groundbreaking legislation creation and passage.