Benjamin Spies

Benjamin Spies has a diverse work experience that spans various industries and roles. In 2007, they worked as a Traffic Director at WSUM 91.7 FM Madison and later as a Weekend Announcer/Radio Operations Center at Wisconsin Public Radio. In 2008, they joined AmeriCorps as an NCCC Corps Member, where they performed service work for non-profit organizations and led construction projects with Habitat for Humanity. Benjamin then worked as a Crew Chief at Texas Episcopal Disaster Relief and Development, leading construction crews in rebuilding homes after Hurricane Ike. From 2011 to 2015, they served as the Director of Economic Development and LIRI Representative at the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago, managing policy and advocacy efforts and facilitating public development finance. In 2015, they pursued a Masters in Public Policy at Central European University. In 2016, they joined the City of Chicago Inspector General's Office as the Chief Performance Analyst, leading a team of auditors and ensuring efficiency and integrity in city government. Most recently, in 2020, they volunteered for the City of Chicago in its COVID-19 Emergency Response, managing medical and service personnel in temporary quarantine and isolation facilities. Benjamin also helped launch and manage public vaccination centers in 2021.

Benjamin Spies has a diverse educational background. In 2008, they obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communication Arts (Radio/TV/Film) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Following this, from 2013 to 2014, they pursued a Certificate in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization at the University of Illinois Chicago, specializing in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. In 2015 to 2016, Benjamin acquired a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Department of Public Policy at the Central European University.

In addition, Benjamin has obtained various certifications to enhance their skill set. In December 2014, they completed the Geospatial Analysis and Visualization certification from the University of Illinois at Chicago. More recently, in March 2019, Benjamin became a Certified Inspector General Auditor (CIGA) from the ASSOCIATION OF INSPECTORS GENERAL. Furthermore, they have acquired several coaching-related skills and completed certifications, including Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers, Coaching and Developing Employees, and Delivering Employee Feedback, all obtained from LinkedIn in August 2023.