Johanna Nyden Appointed Skokie Community Development Director
As of August 22, 2022, Johanna Nyden will serve as the Village of Skokie Community Development Director, Village Manager John Lockerby announced today. Nyden’s 20 years of economic
development, urban planning, business recruitment and retention, code enforcement and sustainable community development experience in the Chicagoland area makes her uniquely qualified to take on the helm as the next Skokie Community Development Director. Before joining the Village of Skokie, Nyden served as the Community Development Director for the City of Evanston since 2017 and held several other economic development roles for Evanston since 2010. Nyden and her family reside in Skokie.
“The Village of Skokie is very fortunate to have an individual with Johanna’s breadth of experience, professionalism and credentials joining the team as Community Development Director,” said Lockerby. “She is extremely well qualified for the position, bringing outstanding credentials and a strong economic development focus to the Village. Her collaborative approach promises to result in positive additions to the Skokie’s business community, building and permit approval processes and code enforcement initiatives. I am confident that Johanna’s leadership will be of tremendous benefit to both the Community Development Department and the entire community.” In her new position, Nyden will lead the Building, Economic Development, Planning and Neighborhood Services Divisions of the Community Development Department, with a staff of nearly 20 professionals.
“Serving as the Community Development Director in the community where I reside is an incredibly special professional and personal opportunity,” said Nyden. “I have enjoyed Skokie's range of shopping, dining, and entertainment amenities my entire life. I look forward to working with the Skokie Village Board, staff, businesses, and my fellow residents to continue to make Skokie a premier destination for everyone -- whether you are putting down roots and raising your family, starting or growing your business, or just stopping by as a visitor.”
Earlier in her career, Nyden was an associate at S. B. Friedman & Company, a Chicago real estate and development advisory firm. She also worked at Chicago’s not-for-profit Center for Neighborhood Technology that employs innovative strategies for promoting urban sustainability. Nyden is a member of both the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Nyden holds a Master of Urban Planning and Policy degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago, with dual specializations in Physical Planning and Economic Development. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology degree from Loyola University, Chicago, graduating Cum Laude with honors in Anthropology.