Meet our Executive Committee of Strong Towns Blono. We meet once a month to ensure the logistical operations of the organization can support our efforts. If you are interested in joining the Executive Committee, please contact us!
Noah Tang, President
I am the founder of this organization and I want to continue my passion of urbanism to make Bloomington a better place. I bring a wealth of knowledge and know-how to Strong Towns, as I have a master’s degree in history, spent the summer of 23 in Europe studying traditional urbanism, and am deeply connected to the community in town.
Term Ends: April 2026
Tyson Mohr, Vice President
Long-time Strong Towns member and evangelist. Served on Planning Commission for 6 years. We need Strong Town principles to be adopted in our community to build wealth, make transportation safer, and make housing more affordable.
Term Ends: April 2027
Quinlan Tisdale, Secretary
Quinlan is an alumni of ISU who fell in love with the city and moved here permanently after graduation. Quinlan loves working with computers and dabbling in various hobbies from astronomy to habitat restoration.
Term Ends: April 2026
Gretchen Knapp, Treasurer
Gretchen is a retired ISU Professor.
Term Ends: April 2026
Azadiam Verove, Social Officer
Having been the interim treasurer I have focused on building up our financial ability. This has included finalizing our 501c3 status, setting up our bank account, and working to finance our operations through sources of income. I intend to continue this level of work as the social officer!
Term Ends: April 2026
Dr. Alan Lessoff, Education Co-Chair
I teach urban and public history and oversee the internship program in the History Department at Illinois State. In this role, I have worked with numerous organizations related to history, preservation, and planning in Bloomington-Normal. Among other activities, I am working on a (much-delayed) book and museum exhibit on the theme of unimplemented and failed plans in Bloomington-Normal, which are profuse and which of course by extension highlight was has been done.
Term Ends: April 2026
Zach Carlson, Education Co-Chair
As a historian and local activist I have experience researching and preparing materials to present to our membership. In time, I want to see us bring guest speakers and experts to present to our group and the community at large for we may better our city. “We know that when the people understand, they cannot help but follow us.”
Term Ends: April 2027
Shea Grehan, Social Media Director
I’ve grown up in Normal and have lived here for 22 years. I currently work as the Senior Photographer for Illinois State University and run my own photography business; in addition to my photography skills, I’m pursuing a Master’s in Creative Technologies with a focus on video. My ability to document the happenings of the group and appealingly present them on social media would greatly assist the organization in sharing their mission with more people. I also have some background in urban planning and environmental sustainability from my B.S. in Geography with a minor in Environmental Studies.
Term Ends: April 2027
Dr. Katherine McCarthy, Neighborhood Liaison
Katherine is a retired ISU History Professor. Since moving to Bloomington in 1991, she has volunteered on various projects at the David Davis Mansion, Washington School, Founders Grove Neighborhood Association, and St. Mary’s soup kitchen. Currently, Katherine is enjoying working with the Sidewalk Mural Committee. In May, local artist designed sidewalk murals were installed to beautify and improve pedestrian safety between the Bloomington Public Library and the McLean County Museum of History.
Term Ends: April 2027
Tyler Pessler, UCRC Chair
As a civil engineer, we are held to a code of standards. Chief among these codes are to “protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.” I believe that the values that the Revivalists and Strong Towns at large further this standard. In addition, I have a passion for service to the community, and I believe that this organization fosters this passion. As a member of the Executive Committee, I would represent the office I am charged with to my highest degree of respect and pride.
Term Ends: April 2027
Strong Towns Blono 