William W. Towns
Assistant Vice President – University of Chicago
William W. Towns is an Assistant Vice President at the University of Chicago's (UChicago)
Department of Civic Engagement and is responsible for identifying and developing place-based
policies and initiatives that will revitalize communities, influence economic growth, stimulate
workforce development and position UChicago as a key contributor to urban development
regarding building sustainable, competitive and inclusive urban communities.
Prior to joining UChicago Mr. Towns was the Regional Vice President of Mercy Portfolio
Services - (MPS) and was responsible for the overall implementation of a $169 million grant
from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act under the City of Chicago’s Neighborhood
Stabilization Program (NSP). His duties included working closely with the City of Chicago’s
Department of Housing and Economic Development, developers (for profit and non for profit),
appraisers, real estate professionals, community organizations, lenders and other to ensure the
success of the program, which was to help stabilize communities through the purchase, rehab and
reoccupying of foreclosed and vacant real estate owned (REO) properties. During this three
period over 1800 jobs were created from the 800 plus units of single and multiply family housing
acquired and rehabbed.
In-addition William also has extensive experience in the development and creation of senior
housing having helped to develop over 2,500 units of senior apartments and assisted living
communities throughout the Midwest.
Mr. Towns is a board member of the Roseland Community Hospital, National Children Center,
Inc (Washington DC) and People in Community Building. He chairs the 36th Ward Economic
and Development Committee, is the managing broker for the NCST Housing Services, LLC (part
of a national response to the foreclosure crisis) and a member of Lambda Alpha International, a
honorary land economic society.
Mr. Towns has received numerous awards for his commitment to improving the lives of others
and has been a featured speaker at events and University’s throughout the country. He holds
degrees and certificates from Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government,
University of Notre Dames, Mendoza School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
Graaskamp Center for Real Estate and Loyola University Chicago. William lives on the
northwest side of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.