Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I was born and raised in Illinois, having spent my early years on Chicago’s southwest side, the Beverly neighborhood, and most of my high school years in Springfield. I moved to Washington, D.C. for law school, graduating from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 2001. I have had the honor of serving as General Counsel for the Illinois Housing Development Authority since August 2011. It was a wonderful organization with a dedicated and mission-driven staff. 

I am a proud mother of three children. My son Liam will be starting his third year at the United States Military Academy this fall. My eldest daughter Catherine will begin her college career at Arizona State University this fall, and my youngest, Margaret, will be starting her Junior year at Marist High School.  My husband is a Chicago Police Officer and I come from a long line of civil service workers and caretakers, particularly law enforcement and nursing. 

What inspired you to join NABL? 

I was inspired to join NABL because its mission to promote the integrity of the municipal market is of the utmost importance.

As an issuer, how has your NABL membership added value to your work and/or career? 

NABL is unparalleled in its ability to promote the exchange of ideas and information in this subject matter area.  The resources and tools made available by NABL are excellent. 

You have attended both The Essentials and The Workshop conferences by NABL. What is something you learned during the conferences that you have implemented into your work? 

The expertise of issuers, bond and underwriters counsel is critical to the success of any bond transaction.  As general counsel, being a member of NABL has enhanced my ability to effectively coordinate with these important experts in navigating the complex world of housing bonds.  I can honestly say that any time I participate in a NABL session I learn something new.  

If you could have dinner with three people, who would you pick and why? 

Three people, plus me, all at once? Or me and three people individually, at separate times? LOL. If the latter, it would be my paternal grandfather, Mother Theresa, and Alan Watts.  My paternal grandfather because he passed away before turning 50 and I never had the pleasure of meeting him.  Mother Theresa because she exemplified how to truly live for others, and Alan Watts because I find his philosophy lessons fascinating. If the former, I think I’d pick Sir Thomas Moore, Abraham Lincoln, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg.  Can you imagine? 

Which book and/or podcasts have you enjoyed and would recommend to others? 

I am a bit of a true crime junkie. I prefer “long-form” true crime podcasts, over the single episode podcasts. The first podcast I ever listened to is called Serial-The Case Against Adnan Syed. There are probably few, if any, listeners of true crime podcasts that are not already familiar with it, but if you somehow missed it, it’s very well done.