Jane Grover served on the Evanston City Council representing the 7th Ward from 2009 to 2015, when she assumed a role in management of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). During her tenure on the Evanston City Council, Grover led initiatives for financial empowerment, innovation in recreation programming, and against distracted driving. Grover’s community involvement includes service on the Evanston Mental Health Board and Equity and Empowerment Commission. At CMAP, Grover serves on a high-performing management team of a government agency and leads CMAP’s initiatives in meaningful and inclusive community engagement in the 7-county region.

 

Jane began her career practicing law at two Chicago firms in general litigation, advising clients on navigating the legal process and minimizing risk. She later directed the Evanston Community Foundation’s Leadership Evanston program and is a graduate of the program.

 

Jane and her husband, Bill Blanchard, have called Evanston home since 1994. Their three sons — Dylan, Jack, and Joe Blanchard — grew up attending Kingsley and Haven Schools and Evanston Township High School. Jane’s favorite Evanston places include James Park, where the boys played soccer and countless innings of baseball, and the winding paths along the North Shore Channel through Twiggs and Butler Parks and the arboretum.

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Outside of work, Jane is a lifelong slow runner whose favorite route follows the lakefront path, and a longtime singer who has sung with local choirs including St. Athanasius Church and Evanston Own It — and she currently sings alto with the North Shore Choral Society. Jane also knits things.