Commissioners
SSA 39 Commission: Leadership & Community Oversight
A group of business leaders from within the Service Area are appointed by the Mayor, to serve on a volunteer basis as Commissioners. This Commission is a volunteer position that provides oversight to SSA services, budgets, and the SSA Service Provider, in this case the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council. All meetings are governed by the Illinois Open Meetings Act, and minutes are reported to the City of Chicago. Commissioner Candidates will first meet with the local Alderman and then are officially appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council after an application process. The SSA 39 Commission generally meets every other month; however there are instances when emergency meetings are called. Currently SSA #39 has 7 Commissioners serving.
Jose Barrera
Dean of Students at Columbia Explorers Academy
Jose Barrera is the Dean of students at Columbia Explorers. His school community is well-organized. All of his students realize the importance of education in society. His leadership develops the community and education stakeholders.
Miguel B. Torres
Operations Manager at Blueprint
Experienced Liaison Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the recreational facilities and services industry. Skilled in Research, Sales, Leadership, Marketing, and Project Management. Strong Government and Municipal services professional pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts – BFA focused in Political Science and Government and Economics from Loyola University Chicago.
SSA 39 Commissioners
Dena M. Carli
Chicago Police Sergeant | Illinois Representative (D)
Born and raised in the Back of the Yards Community, in Chicago. Currently a Chicago Police Sergeant and has been in law enforcement for 17 years. Graduate of Saint Xavier University where she earned a Masters Degree in Business Management with high honors; attended Governors State University for a Masters in Public Administration and Undergraduate Degree. She participates in advancement courses at Northwestern University for Leadership in Public Safety. She is married (Dennis) with 3 wonderful sons.
Erick Valdez
Branch Manager | AVP | A Wintrust Community Bank
“A little about me, I grew up between Pilsen and cicero, and most of my family live in the south part of the city. I’ve been a Manager of the Brighton Park Community Bank for 2 years my 5th year with Wintrust, I have over 12 years of experience working in various banking areas including retail, management, and business relationships. I currently live in Bolingbrook with my wife and my 3 kids. In my spare time, I enjoy building puzzles with my kids and collecting notebook and pens. As a Member, my vision in Brighton is to help the community grow and create well rounded relationships that benefit our community.”
Dr. Genaro Romo Jr.
Dentist
Dr. Romo graduated from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1997. After graduating, he worked as an associate for several private practices and as a clinical extern for the University of Illinois at Chicago Pediatric dental department for two years. Dr. Romo has a passion for dentistry. He is currently past President of the Hispanic Dental Association Greater Chicago Chapter. He is also past President of Chicago Dental Society North Side Branch and the University of Illinois Dental Alumni Board as well as a board member for Delta Dental of Illinois.
| Member Name | Term Expires | Place of Business |
|---|---|---|
| Erick Valdez | Continuing Appointment |