Brenda McKenzie

Brenda McKenzie is urban development strategist whose expertise fostering living economic growth labs includes dynamic and diverse cities of Baltimore, former president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation, Boston, as Director of Economic Development for the Boston Redevelopment Authority and Chicago as Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Development.

With over 20 years of hands-on experience growing urban economies, Brenda has championed ICIC’s cluster approach to community revitalization as well as honing expertise in development finance, entitlements, asset management and public affairs focused on sustainable and inclusionary development.

Her service oriented experience is rounded with a record of private sector accomplishment as an asset manager, a broker representing a national client base and in global affairs with Starbucks Coffee.

She is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Business and a Masters of Public Administration from the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs.