Executive Committee

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 2028

Tyler Pessler, Vice President

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.

Term Ends: April 2027

Azadiam Verove, Secretary

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 secretary 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 2028

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 2027

Term Ends: April 2028

Ryan Miller, Fundraising Co-Chair

I have lived in Bloomington-Normal almost my entire life. I enjoy giving back to this community, as it’s given so much to me! I currently am the assistant treasurer for my church. I love working with numbers. As a member of the Executive Committee, I would put forth the necessary effort and time to help this organization continue to make a difference in our community.

Term Ends: April 2027

J.D. Benson, Urban Centers Revitalization Chair

I’m a returning resident to Bloomington Normal after retiring from a career that took me all  over the globe.  I was looking to get involved in the community and found Strong Towns.  I immediately connected to the ethos of doing the doing the next small thing and then building upon it. I’m excited to be part of a team working to strengthen our community.  My professional background is in leadership, analysis and project management.  I am particularly interested in efforts to revitalize our downtown and create opportunities for people looking for that first hand up.

Term Ends: April 2028

Dr. Alan Lessoff, Education 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 2028

Zach Carlson, Social 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

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

Julia Sutherland, Neighborhood Liaison Co-Chair

Julia is a trailblazer being the first resident of Bloomington to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on her property after Strong Towns Blono had helped advocate for their legalization.

She is also on the board of the Old House Society.

Term Ends: April 2028