Economic Development Public Affairs

Andre F. Garner

ad5y2h@r.postjobfree.com

***** * ***** ******** ***.

773-***-**** (Mobile)

Chicago, Illinois 60643

Professional Summary

I have spent more than 30 years successfully developing policies and messaging around important issues of empowerment. I have served as a trusted advisor to a diverse portfolio of clients, particularly those seeking strategic council in communicating with audiences sometimes thought of as “hard-to-reach.” I’m skilled at helping clients gain consensus and achieve maximum impact. I also have a proven track record of crafting and executing successful programs and policies to heighten corporate giving, community and economic empowerment as well as social enterprise and non-profit development.

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree, Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Business Ownership

Pullman Hotel Group - March 2022 - Current

Managing Member and majority owner of a hotel development and ownership group in the process of bringing a newly constructed, 100-plus room Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Chicago’s Pullman Community. Scheduled to open in 2025, the property will be the first national-branded hotel on the far south side of Chicago.

Garner Agency – Allstate Insurance - August 2013 – December 2019

Multiple time Honor Ring winning owner and manager of a full-service Allstate Insurance Agency in Chicago employing as many as four local sales and service professionals. In just over six years in business, we built a book of business from zero to more than 500 policies and more than $750K in annual premium.

Career Experience

Black Ink Group Communications & Marketing

January 1999 - Current

Managing Partner - Uniquely adept at hearing and responding to the unique internal messages of Chicago’s unheard communities, the communications partners of the Black Ink Group have successfully managed the art of storytelling for clients that include large government agencies (Illinois Department of Transportation), real estate developers (Sterling Bay), social service agencies (Habilitative Systems, Inc), elected officials (City Treasurer Judy Rice) and countless others. As Managing Partner, I’ve successfully brought together a collection of talented storytellers and artists including graphic designers, photographers, writers, videographers, social media strategists, musicians and illustrators to create impactful messaging, images, events and campaigns.

Cook County Government

March 2008 – November 2012

As Project Director, Economic Development, my key responsibilities included successfully leading the economic development outreach function for Cook County. Projects successfully completed on my watch included a $30 million expansion of Allied Tube in Harvey, IL, approval for the $45 million of a new Costco Warehouse Store in the Illinois Medical District, a $90 million expansion for Navistar in Melrose Park, IL as well as staffing and publishing the final report of the Cook County Board President’s Special Committee on the Creation of the Cook County Land Bank Authority.

Cook County

April 2007 – March 2008

In the role of Director, Public Affairs & Communications I was charged with managing messaging and media relations for offices under the direction of the Cook County Board President. In the role of Director, we organized weekly daily messaging reporting protocols previously inexistent in the public information offices. Cable communications programming and staffing functions were clearly defined and held accountable to a consistent schedule that was published regularly. Public meetings were established on a rotating basis and publicized locally.

Electronic Data Systems

June 2000 – November 2002

Upon joining the EDS team as Assistant Director and subsequently Director, Midwest Communications, my principal charge was easing concerns both internal and external to the corporate culture about the relocation of the Midwest Headquarters from Southeast Michigan to Chicago. Spending substantial time in both communities and offering personal assurances in both word and deed that the company and its 17,000 SE Michigan employees would remain deeply invested in the local SE Michigan community required a depth, personal touch and the development of relationships I still value and cultivate during frequent visits today.

Peoples Energy Corporation

September 1997 – December 1998

As the new Community Affairs Manager when I joined the company, the new reality of utility deregulation and market competition offered me a host of new opportunities including the chances to develop new community engagement programs with locally competitive grants, organized employee volunteer service initiatives, a new slate of employee payroll deduction options and matching gifts all offering renewed energy and the opportunity for fresh civic, government, faith-based and community relationships.

City of Chicago

July 1993 – August 1997

As Assistant Mayoral Press Secretary, I led messaging for a number of the successful campaigns and the management of crisis during the administration of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley including President Nelson Mandela’s Visit to Chicago in 1993, the 1996 Democratic National Convention, the relocation of the Maxwell Street Market, the tragic heat crisis of 1995 and citywide celebrations following the Chicago Bulls Championship victories in 1996 and 1997.

Activities

Tall Radio Program Host, Global News Forum

Housing and Public Spaces and Economic Development Task Forces, Englewood Quality of Life Initiative

Marketing Advisor to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Federal Credit Union

95th Street Corridor Community Table Member

Former Board President, Friendship Foundation, Inc. (Georgia-Based Real Estate Holding Corp)

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