Shelly Lyon was born and raised in Chicago and started working for 36th Ward Alderman William Banks as an administrative assistant to the Committee on Zoning in 2001. In October 2009, she became the Chief of Staff for Alderman John Rice, who was appointed after Alderman Banks retired. With her experience in city government, she hopes to be of great service to Alderman Silverstein and to the residents of the 50th Ward.
Carly Podbielski is a Chicago native, born and raised. She graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and comes to the 50th Ward after working for former-38th Ward Alderman Tim Cullerton. Carly is a pet-lover and shares her home with two cats and one dog. She also raises the office fish – a feisty betta named Ariel. Carly is outgoing and passionate about public service, and she looks forward to applying her experience to helping to the residents of the 50th Ward.
Marlene Raddatz is a native Chicagoan who just marked 50 years of living in the same residence in our great city. She is a graduate of Resurrection High School and attended Wright Junior College. Marlene worked for Town and Country Travel for more than 20 years and had the opportunity to travel the world, plan trips for countless clients and manage a premier travel agency.
In 2002, Marlene was hired by Alderman Patrick J. Levar to serve as a staff assistant. Over nine years in the 45th Ward Offices, she learned the operations of the City Council as well as those that affect the 45th Ward community. Her careers have bridged customer service in both the private and public sectors and Marlene enjoys building relationships with the people she has the opportunities to assist. She enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, bike riding and cooking.
Yisrael Shapiro received his undergraduate degree from Yeshiva University in New York and a Master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He came to the 50th Ward Office from the Chicago Reporter, a publication that reports on social, economic and political issues in Chicago with a focus on race and poverty.
Yisrael is a native of the 50th Ward, both growing up and currently living in West Rogers Park. He understands the unique challenges that face the 50th Ward and is eager to bring his expertise and enthusiasm to bear in service of all its residents.
