OUR TEAM

Lori Latham has served on the Gary Common Council since 2023, representing the city’s 1st District, and served as Council President in 2025. She is also a Business Development Representative with Wessler Engineering, specializing in water resource planning and infrastructure. 

​

A dedicated advocate for public health, environmental justice, and community development, Lori has held leadership roles with the NAACP Gary Branch, Project Rebuild Foundation, and several community-based initiatives. She is the founder of the Central District Organizing Project (CDOP), the Black Water Professionals Alliance, and The 1972 Group, which supports and connects Black elected officials.

​

Lori holds a B.A. in Political Science from Tennessee State University and an M.A. in Social Justice from Loyola University Chicago. She lives in Gary, Indiana, with her husband, Darian, their three children, and her father.

LaShawn Brooks serves as Chief of Staff for the City of Gary, providing strategic leadership and supporting initiatives that enhance city operations and resident services. With experience in government, corporate, and retail leadership, he brings a strong background in operations, team development, constituent engagement, and organizational management.

​

Before becoming Chief of Staff, LaShawn served as Director of the Mayor's Office of Constituent Services, where he helped strengthen relationships between residents and local government. Known for his results-driven approach, he has a proven ability to lead teams, solve complex challenges, and improve organizational performance.

​

LaShawn earned his graduate education from Keller Graduate School of Management and is dedicated to advancing effective leadership and community-focused government throughout Northwest Indiana.

Dayna Bennett is a seasoned government affairs and public policy professional with extensive experience in municipal leadership, economic development, and regulatory affairs. She currently serves as Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Comcast, where she works at the intersection of public policy, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. Prior to Comcast, Dayna held leadership roles in local government, including Director of Development Services for the City of Elkhart, where she helped advance community development and economic growth initiatives.

​

Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to public service, Dayna brings expertise in government relations, stakeholder engagement, and building partnerships that strengthen communities and create opportunities for residents and businesses alike.