Need more info? Please review the 2026 Sponsor Prospectus

Questions? Email the Executive Director Ryan Anderson at executivedirector@laichicagoregion.org

Not able to sponsor for the year? We offer event sponsorships too! Review the event sponsorship levels below.

LAI 2026 AWARDEES

Harry F. Chaddick Distinguished Public Service Award: Erin Aleman

Erin Aleman is a planning and public policy expert, accomplished leader, and a positive change agent.

She leads the award-winning Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) — the regional planning agency for 7 counties, 284 municipalities, and 8.6 million residents in northeastern Illinois.

CMAP has earned a revered reputation for advancing sound policy, driving innovative solutions, and leading transformational change. From helping to create a first-of-its-kind regional economic partnership, developing solutions to transform the region's transit system, and building consensus among the region's leaders on the highest-priority transportation projects, Erin and CMAP have left their mark on this region since Erin became CMAP's executive director in July 2019.

Prior to joining CMAP, Erin held leadership positions at the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT), first as a bureau chief and then as director of the Office of Planning and Programming.

In 2025, Erin received the 34th Motorola Solutions Foundation Excellence in Public Service award presented by the Civic Federation. She also serves as the chair of the Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) — elected in 2024.

Robert J. Piper Distinguished Leadership Award: Audrey Wennink

For the past decade, Audrey Wennink has served as a senior director leading the Metropolitan Planning Council's transportation policy efforts and coordinating with other facets of planning including affordable housing, land use, and the environment.

She had a lead role in advancing the 2025 Illinois legislation to create the Northern Illinois Transit Authority and increase transit operations funding. Under her leadership, MPC has also conducted research and developed policy recommendations on mitigating the historic harms of transportation (Reconnecting Communities), on transportation improvements to benefit seniors and those with disabilities (Toward Universal Mobility),  on transportation equity (Give Workers a Ride, Give Employment a Boost) and on how transit benefits businesses ( Transit Means Business).   She also contributed to securing a sustained stream of capital funding for transit in Northeastern Illinois under the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital program. 

Prior to MPC, Audrey was a transportation planning and policy consultant for 12 years. A Chicago resident for more than 25 years, Audrey is an advisory board member of the Greater Chicago chapter of WTS, a professional organization to advance women in the transportation industry. Audrey also serves on the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s transportation committee. She holds a B.A. in English and Spanish from Colby College and a Master’s in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a fellow of the University of Chicago’s Harris School’s Civic Leadership Academy.

EVENT POLICIES

The LAI Chicago Region Chapter Member Support Fund is available to members who serve nonprofit organizations, public agencies, academic institutions, or those who in a professional employment transition to help offset the cost of attendance at chapter events and membership dues. The goal of the fund is to make Chapter events and activities more accessible and encourage attendance and engagement. In some instances, guests of members may also be eligible to receive these funds.

The LAI Chicago Region Chapter Board welcomes you to a dedicated New Member event of “Getting to Know Us” and...

• Your fellow 2026 Lambda Alpha classmates
• Your LAI Chicago Region Chapter and Board

Thank You to our Event Sponsor!