Dear friends and colleagues of CNT,

We are writing to share some important news about the future of CNT.

In late November 2022, Bob Dean informed the CNT Board that after five years as CNT’s CEO, he wants to take on new challenges in the field of equitable transportation by assuming a different role within CNT. Bob believes that billions of dollars in new federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape transportation and infrastructure investments to benefit underserved communities and create more sustainable, equitable and successful cities. He aims to devote his training as an urban planner and his skills in building partnerships to ensuring these funds are deployed to achieve those benefits.

The Board is deeply grateful for Bob’s effective leadership over the last several years. During Bob’s time with CNT, he has built a pipeline of funded projects that advance CNT’s mission; forged new partnerships and strengthened existing ones with community groups and units of government to assess and plan for the infrastructure needs of communities; and led a growing staff of talented and committed staff. But we also agree the opportunity is extraordinary, and we’re delighted that the work Bob wants to do can be accomplished through a new position we are creating within CNT, Chief Strategy and Program Officer.

As of January 17, 2023, an experienced interim CEO, Elspeth Revere, will oversee and manage the organization while Bob devotes full time to sustainable and equitable transportation outcomes. Elspeth brings a range of experience that matches well with the needs of CNT. She has served as interim executive director with four organizations, most recently the Evanston Community Foundation, since retiring after 24 years from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, where she was Vice President of Media, Culture, and Special Initiatives. Before joining MacArthur, Elspeth served as the President and CEO of the Woodstock Institute, a nonprofit policy research organization working to increase private sector investment in low-income neighborhoods, as Director of Program Development for the City of Chicago Department of Housing, and as Senior Planner in the Chicago Department of Development and Planning. We’re delighted to welcome her to CNT.

At the same time, CNT will be launching a nationwide search for a permanent CEO. You will hear from us again in mid-January, when we release more information about the search, and we hope that you will share that news with your networks.

– CNT Board of Directors