Meet our Executive Committee and officers 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 2023 in Europe studying traditional urbanism, and am deeply connected to the community in town.
Term Ends: April 2026
Azadiam Verove, Vice President & Social Officer
I’ve been involved with the organization since the beginning of 2024 and helped set up the original 501c3 status as the interim treasurer. My goals as the Vice President include supporting our members and initiatives in whatever ways I can. I’m looking to rework my personal schedule to better serve the organization by attending more committee meetings to assist all member led initiatives.
Term Ends: April 2026
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
Ashley Baldwin, Treasurer
I moved to Bloomington-Normal for my undergraduate degree in 2019, ended up falling in love with this town and its community and have stayed here ever since. I now work full-time at ISU and will be receiving my master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration at the end of this year. I am passionate about serving my community and advocating for others’ social and economical needs in both my work and my free time. I am heading up the Finance & Fundraising Committee and I’m eager to see what the future holds for our organization.
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
