Kristen Hamer

Kristen Hamer has a diverse range of work experience. Kristen started their career at the National Restaurant Association as a Customer Relations Specialist, where they handled industry accounts and supported sales department efforts. Kristen then worked as a Development Associate at the American Dental Hygienists' Association before moving to the Illinois Institute of Technology as an Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. At IIT, they promoted university priorities to corporations and foundations and identified funding prospects. Kristen later joined the Chicago Housing Authority, where they held multiple roles including Senior Grant Developer, Assistant Director of Resource Development, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Director of Corporate & External Partnerships. Throughout their time at CHA, they were responsible for fundraising efforts, managing large grant initiatives, and maintaining partnerships with organizations and community groups.

Kristen Hamer holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science Public Administration, which they obtained from Michigan State University between 1990 and 1994. Kristen later pursued a Master's degree in Public Service Administration at DePaul University, which they completed from 1995 to 1997. In 2004, they earned a certificate in Project Management from Loyola University Chicago. Finally, in 2012, Kristen attended Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, where they obtained certificates in Non-Profit Finance & Measuring Impact.