Executive Director

Tamakia "TJ" Edwards previously served as the Chief Strategy Officer for a minority owned small business firm in the Chicago Metro Area. TJ is a seasoned strategist, operations leader, and change agent with a history of leading organizations through a range of transformational initiatives of varying size and scope. In 2020, Tamakia joined the Illinois Capital Development Board as the Chief of Staff. For that role, she set the tone, direction, and clear vision for the organization’s growth, partnering with the Board and staff to optimize day-to-day operations and deliver against key business objectives. TJ spent 12 years with U.S. General Services Administration where she served in many roles, including cost estimating, project management, and program management.

With a value-added mindset and always with an eye to the future, TJ continually distinguishes herself as a growth driver, value creator, and business partner to her leadership teams. TJ is active in her community as evidenced in service to the Indian Boundary YMCA, job coach with the People’s Resource Center, former Hinsdale D86 Board member, Special Facilities committee member, and on the Community Equity Leadership Team. TJ holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology. TJ resides with her husband Herb and their three sons in Chicagoland area.