Chicago/Midwest People & Company News, week of December 19, 2024

Architecture and urban design firm Studio Gang announced that Joan Verbon has been appointed as Principal and Chief Financial and Operations Officer. Joining Studio Gang’s growing leadership group, Verbon will steer the firm’s financial performance and daily operations as it continues to realize its mission of using design to connect people to each other, their communities, and the environment.

Opus has promoted Beth Duyvejonck to executive vice president of construction. In her new role, Beth retains responsibility for overseeing construction activities in Minneapolis and Des Moines and expands her duties to include driving operational efficiency in multiple regions and advancing the company’s strategic plan.

Farbman Group announced the addition of three new team members to its enterprise. Christopher Debs joins as senior property manager, Ken Williams joins as an HVAC manager, and Sarah Caley joins as a staff accountant. Debs brings over 13 years of operational experience to the firm, primarily in the hotel industry. Williams brings over 20 years of experience in HVAC service and technical support. He received an associate’s degree in HVAC-R and also holds a mechanical contractor license. Caley previously worked as an accounting intern at a commercial interiors company.

Chicago City Council recently confirmed Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointment of Terrence Johnson, Executive Director of Greenwood Archer Capital (GAC), a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution, to serve as a new member of the Chicago Development Commission. Johnson brings more than 25 years of community development experience, specializing in public finance and banking to the CDC. Prior to joining GAC, he led the Financial Incentive Underwriting Division for the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development from 2017-2023.