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.