Mayor Spencer Announces 15 Community Members for Tornado Recovery Advisory Committee
Today, Mayor Cara Spencer revealed the names of 15 community members who will join the Tornado Recovery Advisory Committee. This committee will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the City’s efforts to recover from the devastating tornado that hit earlier this year. The selected resident advisors were chosen from a pool of 82 applicants and represent a diverse range of neighborhoods and experiences.
Meet the Members of the Tornado Recovery Advisory Committee
The 15 members of the Tornado Recovery Advisory Committee are:
– Victor Addison, a current resident of Old North and business owner in the construction industry who grew up in the impacted neighborhoods
– Joe Bingham, a pastor of a church in The Ville
– Nashad Carrington, a resident of the Central West End and business owner in Lewis Place
– Danni Eickenhorst, owner of two businesses in the Delmar Maker District
– Shellie Johnson, an active leader and volunteer for tornado relief and former resident of Penrose and Fairground
– Ajia Knight-Brooks, a resident of the O’Fallon neighborhood
– Aminhan Lobster, an employee of Park Central Development and volunteer for recovery
– Vontriece McDowell, a resident of Lewis Place and employee of the St. Louis Housing Authority
– Michael McLemore, a resident of Greater Ville and tornado recovery volunteer
– Lisa Potts, resident of West End and board member of Delmar Main Streets
– Farrakhan Shegog, a business owner in the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood
– Kate Stowe, resident of DeBaliviere Place and local volunteer
– Kellie Vincent, a resident of the O’Fallon neighborhood
– Kyria Virshelle, a resident of the Wells Goodfellow neighborhood and business owner
– Margaret Williams, a resident of Fountain Park until the tornado, business owner, and member of the Fountain Park Lewis Place Community Organization and Steering Committee
A Diverse Representation for a Comprehensive Recovery
The committee members were carefully selected to ensure a wide range of impacted neighborhoods and experiences are represented. This includes impacted businesses and representatives from organizations that are helping residents recover. Additional members may be added to the committee in the future.
Mayor Spencer and Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks Express Gratitude
Mayor Spencer expressed her gratitude for the community members who have volunteered to be a part of this committee. She acknowledged the important role that community members have played in the response and recovery efforts since the tornado hit. She also emphasized the importance of having a formal and ongoing role for residents in shaping the City’s response to align with the community’s needs and wishes.
Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks also expressed his appreciation for the community members who will bring valuable perspectives to the committee. He emphasized that community members have been at the heart of the response and will continue to be central to the recovery.
Combining Efforts for a Stronger Recovery
Originally, there were plans for a separate Resident and Community Recovery Advisory Committee to work alongside the Civic Leaders Advisory Committee. However, Mayor Spencer has decided to combine the two committees into the Tornado Recovery Advisory Committee. This decision was made to streamline efforts and ensure a more cohesive and comprehensive recovery plan.
Planning for the Future
The Tornado Recovery Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting on Saturday, November 15 to plan its path forward. More information about this meeting can be found on the City’s website.
Community at the Heart of Recovery
As the City continues to recover from the tornado, community members will remain at the heart of the efforts. The perspectives and input of the Tornado Recovery Advisory Committee will be crucial in shaping a successful recovery for all those impacted by the disaster.
