Reyahd D.J. Kazmi is the Director of Business Advancement for National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) where he oversees multiple programs and divisions, manages the organization's service contracts, and advocates at the municipal, state, and federal level.  In addition, Mr. Kazmi is the owner of AVK Advisors, LLC (AVK), a consulting firm dedicated to providing strategic advising, government relations, relationship management, and community engagement to corporate, not-for profit, and public sector clients in Chicago, the state of Illinois, and the greater Midwest region.

Prior to joining NYAP and AVK, Mr. Kazmi worked in the private sector for a law firm and various political campaigns, and in the public sector for the City of Chicago, the City of Columbus, the Ohio General Assembly, for former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, and Chaired the Ohio Commission on African American Males.

Recently, Mr. Kazmi served as the Chief of Staff for Chicago City Treasurer Stephanie Neely where he managed all aspects of the office. In 2014, Mr. Kazmi was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to serve as a Commissioner on the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. In addition, Mr. Kazmi was appointed by the United States Commission on Civil Rights to serve as a member of its Illinois Advisory Committee.  Also, Mr. Kazmi was appointed by Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs to serve as a member of his Financial Education and Opportunities Advisory Committee. 

Mr. Kazmi is an elected member of the Local School Council at Otis Elementary in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, is a member of City Church Chicago, is a Founding Board Member of :20 Second Timeout Foundation, and is an Associate Board member for Chicago Scholars.  Finally, Mr. Kazmi is a graduate of The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law and Glenn School of Public Affairs where he received his Juris Doctorate and Master’s of Arts in Public Policy and Management.