Emily Thenhaus

Emily serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Cara Spencer. Prior to joining the administration, Emily served as the Executive Director for the Cherokee Street Community Improvement District for over five years, leading the organization's work in supporting independent small businesses, creating safe and active public spaces and engaging the broader neighborhood to shape the street's future. She previously served as the media and engagement specialist for the Mayor's office under Mayor Lyda Krewson.

Emily is a St. Louis native. She spent 10 years in Chicago and New York, pursing a Bachelors in Political Science at DePaul University, a Masters in Public Administration and Non-Profit Management & Policy at New York University, and working with various grassroots organizations and urban policy institutes including the NYU Furman Center and the Regional Plan Association for the New York metropolitan area.