CNU Staff

John Norquist's work promoting New Urbanism as an alternative to sprawl and antidote to sprawl's social and environmental problems draws on his experience as big-city mayor and prominent participant in national discussions on urban design and school reform.

John was the Mayor of Milwaukee from 1988-2004. Under his leadership, Milwaukee experienced a decline in poverty, saw a boom in new downtown housing, and became a leading center of education and welfare reform. He has overseen a revision of the city's zoning code and reoriented development around walkable streets and public amenities such as the city's 3.1-mile Riverwalk. He has drawn widespread recognition for championing the removal of a .8 mile stretch of elevated freeway, clearing the way for an anticipated $250 million in infill development in the heart of Milwaukee.

A leader in national discussions of urban design and educational issues, Norquist is the author of The Wealth of Cities, and has taught courses in urban policy and urban planning at the University of Chicago, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and at Marquette University.

Norquist served in the Army Reserves from 1971 to 1977, earned his undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin. He represented Milwaukee's south and west sides in the Wisconsin Legislature. He chaired the National League of Cities Task Force on Federal Policy and Family Poverty and served on the Amtrak Reform Council. He is married to CNU Board Member Susan Mudd. They have two children, Benjamin and Katherine.

A springtime view from John's office

Heather is an urban planner responsible for supporting the CNU member Task Forces. She joined CNU in January 2005. Before joining CNU, she coordinated the Metropolis Plan activities for Chicago Metropolis 2020, a regional planning organization. Prior to working in Chicago she received an American Planning fellowship to advance sustainable development and planning issues in the United States Senate. Heather holds a masters degree in urban planning and previously worked for the New York City Department of City Planning. Heather enjoys biking to work, sailing, swimming, and kayaking in her free time.

Sandrine, who joined the organization in November 2002, dedicates her time to organizing CNU's annual Congress. After receiving a BA in Marketing from San Francisco State University in 1998, Sandrine worked as a marketing coordinator and meeting planner for the Astronomical Society of the Pacific for several years. Outside of CNU, Sandrine spends her time rafting beautiful white water rivers, camping, and socializing.

A writer and communications specialist with experience in government and journalism, Filmanowicz concentrates on media and member communications. Before joining CNU, he oversaw communications in the office of then Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist. As a media and policy specialist in the city's Department of City Development, Filmanowicz directed the media rollout for the city's Downtown Plan, the public relations surrounding the implementation of its urban real estate development strategies, and local press outreach for CNU IIX in Milwaukee. Formerly, Stephen was a magazine editor and writer whose honors include a gold award from the City and Regional Magazine Association for urban design criticism.

Brenda is the friendly voice on the line at CNU's main number. Since July 2004, she has assisted the office with travel arrangements, scheduling, membership services, and order fulfillment. She has a degree in business administration from Chicago City College and a decade's experience as Administrative Assistant and Financial Coordinator at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in Chicago. Outside of work, Brenda enjoys bowling and western movies, and is active in her church, where she sings in the choir.

Nora joined the staff of CNU in December 2005 to lend executive support to John Norquist as well as assistance to CNU's planning, policy, and design initiatives. While completing her graduate degree in urban planning at the University of Michigan (MUP, 2005), she focused on environmental planning techniques and developed a brownfield redevelopment strategy for Flint, Michigan. After finishing her BS in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001, Nora served as a watershed stewardship coordinator for the City of Portland through the Americorps program, developing an interest in water resource management.

Lee joined CNU in November 2005 after working part-time to assist with special projects and Congress planning. His primary focus is supporting the membership and Chapters. Prior to CNU, he worked as communications and development associate at Illinois Action for Children, as an editor at PR Newswire and an event coordinator at the Department of Culture in Neuss, Germany. He holds a BA in English from James Madison University. While not at work, Lee enjoys playing banjo and taking long walks on the Chicago lakefront.

Payton joined CNU's headquarters staff in March 2004, after six years as a CNU member. He is the main contact for reference inquiries and coordinates technology and special projects for the office. Prior to CNU, Payton attended the University of Chicago and did contract research on a variety of topics, including municipal affordable housing policy, urban design zoning, bicycle facility funding, and retailers' format preferences. Payton bikes to work from Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, where he maintains a community garden plot and brakes for both pedestrians and pastry shops.