South Loop Neighbors
Established 1998
​South Loop Neighbors is a non-profit membership based organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in South Loop's neighborhoods and preserving the area's landmark districts.
South Loop Neighbors represents South Loop residents who are concerned about:
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Ensuring high-quality, reasonably-sized real estate development as well as infrastructure improvements that respect the unique character of our community
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Preserving and protecting the area's Landmark Districts, including Printing House Row and Historic Michigan Boulevard
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Promoting quality education, recreation, services, retail, community activities, and events
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Maintaining a socially, culturally, and economically diverse neighborhood
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Developing strong relationships with key city officials to ensure they respect, hear, and act on the concerns and ideas of the South Loop community
Board Members

Jim Wales, President
Jim worked in law enforcement administration in a Chicago suburban community for over 30 years and for 20 years was an adjunct faculty member at a suburban community college. He is an active Rotarian, serving in the past as the International Service Advisor for Rotary District 6440 and currently as a member of the Board of Directors for Rotary District 6450. Jim settled in the south loop where, in addition to SLN, he is also active in the Grant Park Advisory Council serving as Vice President and is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Chicago Citywide Service. Jim also serves on the Chicago Police Department’s 1st District Advisory Council. Jim joined board in December 2016.

Jack Chalabian, Vice President
Jack moved to the South Loop, Printer's Row neighborhood in 2021. He joined as a board of Director in January 2023. He co-leads the Beat 123 Block Watch program. He is a member of the Printers Row Park District Advisory Council. Jack is a Transportation Planning professional with over 20 years of experience. He has led a number of public safety events for the South Loop Neighbors, and advocates for sustainable transportation and infrastructure improvements in the South Loop community.

Susan Zinner, Director
Susan Zinner is from Louisville, Kentucky and has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, a master’s degree in health administration from Washington University in St. Louis and a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She is a full Professor at Indiana University’s northwest (IUN) campus in Gary, Indiana where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. She was elected IUN Faculty President from 2016-2020. She and her husband, Tom Brierton, have lived in the South Loop since February 2022.

Lauren Pace, Communications
Lauren is a proud South Loop resident who is passionate about building a vibrant, connected, and culturally rich neighborhood. As a Board Member of South Loop Neighbors, she is committed to strengthening community engagement and advocacy. Professionally, Lauren works in marketing and strategy for a global location intelligence company. She is also a docent at Glessner House, where she enjoys sharing the history and architectural significance of one of the South Loop’s treasured landmarks. Lauren is especially passionate about expanding arts and cultural opportunities in the neighborhood, including bringing more theater and live performances closer to home. She and her husband have been South Loop residents since 2023.

Rob Hard, Treasurer
Rob joined the board in January 2023. He moved to the South Loop in 2004. He is the organizer behind Chicago South Loop Explorers. He is also the chair of the 4th Ward Community Advisory Council, a member of the Dearborn Park Security Council and a board member for his association’s condo board. He works in marketing communications management in the health care sector. Rob earned a master’s degree in writing and a bachelor’s degree in communications. He has lived in the South Loop since 2004.

Diana Turoski, Director
Having spent over two dozen years in the real estate industry as a lobbyist, public relations professional, broker, trainer, and community association manager, Diana Turowski has joined South Loop Neighbors Board of Directors. She is a pioneering resident of Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood since 1999, with her boyfriend and numerous pets. As an offspring of a long-time real estate family in Chicago’s far north suburbs, Diana is a 1989 graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a B.S. in both Management and Marketing.

Tyler Jones, Planning and Development
Tyler is a real estate professional with a background spanning construction, urban planning, and development. He has led landmark construction projects and managed community-focused developments with a focus on meticulous analysis and strategic vision. This experience is complemented by a masters degree in urban planning and experience with community engagement. As a local homeowner and father of two young children, he is committed to applying his unique perspective to help integrate developments into the fabric of the community and ensure South Loop continues to flourish.

Benjamin Cottrell, Secretary
Benjamin heads up his own Home Remodeling Firm - BENJAMIN COTTRELL DESIGNS. Benjamin joined the board in 2012 and has served as both our Secretary and Vice-President. With a background in Event Production, Benjamin has Chaired several of our events including Loft Walk, Yard Sale, Easter Egg Hunt, Bike Ride to Boat Drinks, Printers Row Holiday Walk, and Photo Show. Always the innovator, over the years he has set-up various collaborations with local businesses.

Paul Jacobs, Director
Paul moved to the South Loop in 2023 seeking a place where he can find a life-long community. When he's not with his wife and two cats, he's deeply involved and local and city-wide advocacy for transit, housing, and biking infrastructure. Paul also serves on Chicago Loop Alliance Associate Board, South Loop Urbanists, Mary Bartelme PAC, and chairs Chicago Growth Project.