Advertise on podcast: Champaign City Profiles

This week’s Champaign Spotlight features Deputy City Manager Nancy Rabel, who joins host Jeff Hamilton to share her journey from attorney and city administrator in her hometown of Canton, Illinois, to her current leadership role with the City of Champaign. Nancy discusses her responsibilities overseeing departments such as Public Works, Finance, and Neighborhood Services, as well as her efforts addressing community priorities like homelessness and city facility planning. She also reflects on the value of collaboration, community partnerships, and what it means to make a positive difference through public service.

In the latest episode of Champaign City Profile, we sit down with Andre Davis, a Justice Victim Advocate in our Equity and Engagement department. Andre, who retired as a lieutenant after 20 years with the Champaign Police Department, now helps victims of violence connect with vital community resources and serves as a liaison between victims, the police department, and the justice system. Champaign is one of the few cities with such an important role dedicated to supporting victims in their time of need.

Ready for a closer look at the heart of our community? Join us in the latest episode of Champaign City Profiles. Meet Javier Zenil Pena, our dedicated Neighborhood Ambassador from the Neighborhood Services Department. He's on a mission to proactively assist residents, share information, and enhance community wellness and safety. From downtown weekends to neighborhood visits throughout the week, Javier and his team work tirelessly to connect with every corner of Champaign. Discover how Neighborhood Ambassadors collaborate with city departments to make Champaign an even better place to call home. And don't miss the scoop on the inspiring "43:43:43" campaign, aiming to boost neighborhood engagement citywide.

In the latest episode of Champaign Spotlight, Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton chats with Fire Chief Andy Quarnstrom. Chief Quarnstromshared his remarkable career progression, explaining he held every rank within the Champaign Fire Department, thereby gaining deep insight into the challenges and responsibilities faced by firefighters.

In the latest installment of the Champaign City Profiles podcast, listeners gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the integral role played by Administrative Assistant, Suki Reid, at the City of Champaign. From assisting the liquor license process to scheduling the Mayor, Suki provides invaluable insights into the inner workings of the city's administrative operations. In this episode, Suki candidly shares her experiences and highlights the City's unwavering commitment to providing essential services, even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to keep the City of Champaign running smoothly.

In the latest episode of Champaign City Profiles we talk with April Faulkner, Community Relations Specialist in the Equity and Engagement Department. She gives us some examples of what the E&E department does and how her role is to help drive the work forward. One project that she loves working on is our Welcoming Plan. The City works with other organization in the area to implement a set of strategic initiatives to welcome immigrants and better integrate foreign-born residents into our social, cultural, and economic fabric. Other topics talked about in this episode are the new Engage Champaign website, the CDAP program and working in collaboration with other City Departments.

The City is thrilled to present the latest addition to our Champaign Spotlight series with a new episode featuring City Attorney Thomas Yu. Join us as he shares insights about his experience in the legal profession and the extraordinary team he leads. Hear some behind-the-scenes stories that shaped our City’s history. Gain valuable perspective on the vital role the Legal Department plays in ensuring a smoothly run City government.

The latest episode of the City’s talk show Champaign Spotlight debuted March 31, 2023 and features a conversation with the City’s new Public Works Director – Khalil Zaied. Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton had the chance to sit down with Mr. Zaied to learn more about his background and previous work experiences. Mr. Zaied also explains the important and varied work of the Public Works Department and talks about the department’s dedicated employees who are always ready to get the job done – even in the worst weather.

The latest episode debuted this week and features an interview by Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton with Chief of Police Timothy T. Tyler. Chief Tyler shares some details about his amazing career before joining the City. This includes his military service where he not only served abroad to protect our country, but also the times he was able to help out in crises here in the states. Then he details his exceptional law enforcement career, why he loves what he does, and why other service-minded people might be successful officers at the Champaign Police Department.

The latest episode features an interview with Library Director Brittany Millington. Brittany shares a little about her path to her current position and then talks about all of the programs and services that make the Champaign Public Library more than just a place with books. She also shares some information about The Studio Expansion Project that is being built on the lower level of the Library. That new space will include a computer lab, gaming area, makerspace, and recording studios. This innovative area will be utilized for library programs, including hosting teens after school.

The latest episode features Communications Manager Jeff Hamilton interviewing Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy.  Rachel first shares how the department was formed to meet the needs of the City and goals set by City Council. She then describes the roles and responsibilities of each of the divisions of the department, and explains how they work with other City departments and local organizations to serve the community.

Interim Deputy Police Chief Geoff Coon sits down with us to share how a chance internship led to his career in law enforcement, what he does in the department, and why the Champaign Police Department is a good destination for both new recruits and officers transferring from other jurisdictions. He tells us that most police officers are drawn to the profession because of the opportunity to help others. The connection to the community is a priority of the Champaign Police Department. Without their help, successful investigations would be much more difficult. Crime Stoppers is one program that helps the community reduce crime by allowing anonymous tips to law enforcement. DC Coon is a liaison with the organization so he was happy to share a little information about the program and how the tips summited have helped the Champaign Police Department solve crimes committed in the community. You can find more information about becoming a Champaign Police Officer at https://champaignil.gov/police/recruitment/

You may have seen City employee Nichole Millage’s name in the news when she returned from the Tokyo Paralympics as a gold medalist in the sitting volleyball event last summer. The City is not only proud of what this four-time Paralympian has done on the court, but also for what she does every day for our residents. With almost ten years of experience as the Environmental Sustainability Specialist at the Public Works Department, Nichole heads up the City’s recycling efforts across the city. In the latest episode of the Champaign City Profiles podcast, you can hear from Nichole about the benefits of the City’s recycling program, why she chose to come back home to Champaign, and how her Paralympic experience has helped her come together as a team with her co-workers. You can find more information about the City's recycling program, the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection, and the Residential Electronics Collection Events at champaignil.gov/recycling.

From intern to full time employee, Deonte Young is the newest addition to the City of Champaign's IT Department. In this episode of Champaign City Profiles, Deonte talks about what he does, the benefits of interning at the City, and how he has grown and learned from working with his colleagues in the department. He also expresses how, not only are we all employees of the City trying to make life better for the residents, but we are also part of this community. We are your friends and neighbors. It is good to have Deonte on board in our IT Department.

Adonis Fuller is the first Purchasing and Compliance Specialist here at the City of Champaign. This newly created position oversees compliance with the City of Champaign Diversity Advancement Program (CDAP). The CDAP program encourages City departments, contractors, and other vendors doing business with the City to increase the amount of goods and services provided by local businesses owned by minorities, women, and other socially and economically disadvantaged groups.In this episode of Champaign City Profiles, Adonis explains the benefits of the CDAP program, how to get on the Certified CDAP Vendor List, and how he works with all the departments in the City to use that list when seeking bids on City projects. He also touches on his background and why he likes working for the City of Champaign. You can find out more information about the CDAP program at champaignil.gov/CDAP