Leadership change reflects new alignment towards narrative change
(CHICAGO)—Public Narrative announces the expansion of its Board of Directors, as it continues to build on more than 30 years as Chicago’s premier communications and media literacy resource. Effective November 2020, Public Narrative will be strengthened by a Board of Directors that includes: Catherine Rabenstine, Chief Operating Officer with the American Red Cross Illinois; Ryan Schermerhorn, Partner at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun; Anita Banerji, Director of the Democracy Initiative, Forefront; Katie O’Malley, Strategic Business Development Consultant, IBM; Paul O’Connor, Urban Strategist, PO Consulting; Katanya Raby, Policy and Planning Advisor, Chicago Mayor’s Office; and Incoming Board Chair Marcus Betts, Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, University of Illinois at Chicago.
“I look forward to serving as Board Chair and continuing to support the great work that is already happening at Public Narrative,” said Betts. “It is evident that our collective efforts are needed, now more than ever, to defend our democracy at the intersections threatened most.”
COVID-19 revealed the clear need for active, aligned, and engaged directors to guide the transformation of Public Narrative. Each will serve in individual and collective roles to expand collaboration among Chicago’s neighborhoods with Public Narrative’s enduring commitment to public health, public safety, and public education.
When realigning Public Narrative’s board, President and Executive Director Jhmira Alexander sought experienced organization partners and trustees to deliver the unusual and focused narrative change that Chicago’s neighborhoods have sought in response to the pandemic. “This pivot means everything to Public Narrative and the way we deliver our media literacy services,” said Alexander. “My first two years leading the organization made way for this resurgence, and it’s inspiring. We are positioned to make a deeper, more significant impact in Chicago and are exploring those layers of impact through our projects, partnerships and training series.”
The change in leadership follows the recent Celebration of Change, and marks the latest shift in the organization’s realignment towards changing narratives around public health, public safety, and public education.
Read the news as it was recently announced on Rob Feder’s media blog.