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CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman recognized by national peers with Scheiber Leadership Award

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) Executive Director Erin Aleman is in the national spotlight this week being recognized for her leadership and excellence in state and regional planning. The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) awarded Aleman with its Walter Scheiber Leadership Award at NARC’s annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia. NARC represents regional councils, councils of governments, regional planning and development agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, and other regional organizations.

“I’m humbled and honored to receive this recognition from my peers,” CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman said. “As I reflect on my five-year anniversary at CMAP this month, I am grateful for the leadership and support of the CMAP Board, an incredibly talented CMAP team, and the profound impact of our work.”

Nominees must demonstrate professional and executive management excellence in carrying-out regional concepts, approaches, and programs. CMAP Board Chair, and Palos Hills Mayor, Gerald Bennett nominated Erin for the award. A panel of former NARC presidents reviewed the applications.

“Collaboration is the theme of Erin’s service to our region, for big, serious issues that require regional action,” said CMAP Board Chair Gerald Bennett.

At the beginning of her tenure at CMAP, Erin was selected as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ distinguished 40 under 40. A lot has changed since then — a global pandemic and its compounding health, social, and equity impacts; never-seen-before transit shifts, extreme economic impacts, and a funding crisis facing our transit system; and the infusion of federal funds from the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act.

Additionally, Erin has prioritized strengthening the capacity of communities across the region through direct training, technical assistance, planning, and implementation support. Over the last five years, through this boots-on-the-ground support for local governments, CMAP has completed 75 technical assistance projects. One of those projects, the Illinois International Port District Master Plan, was recognized by NARC last year with a Regional Achievement Award.

“I truly believe these last few years have demonstrated how important and valuable our work is. As a result, our region is stronger and more resilient today than we were five years ago,” Aleman said.