Leadership

Director, fundraising committee chair Jen is a Digital Consultant with more than 20 years in the field. She is currently a Senior Vice President at Hero Digital. In this role, Jen works with organizations to help better connect with their customers through their digital experiences and technology. She excels in bringing an aesthetic and simplicity to complex systems through an orchestration of design, technology and data. Jen is known for being an intuitive and agile decision maker that is solutions driven, innovative and focused. Outside of work, Jen enjoys camping with her husband of 14 years and 11 year old…

Director For over 17 years, Cheron Corbett has successfully transformed government and corporate operations globally and built a reputation in delivering high quality innovative solutions to corporations government entities. In 2019, Ms. Corbett established EPI, L.L.C. (“EPI”) the fastest growing nationally certified minority, women-owned (M/WBE) consulting firm. EPI’s leadership is highly recognized for the full execution of integrated facilities management, professional advisory services and LEAN commercial construction. ​Headquartered in Chicago with partnership operations established in 68 countries, comprised of 18,000 professionals and approximately $33 billion in assets under management. Clients of EPI include publicly traded global real estate service and investment…

Director Jack is the President of the McKee Family Foundation. A native Chicagoan, he is an archaeologist by trade with a B.A. from the University of Oregon and an M.A. from Trent University in Ontario, Canada. Having recently returned to Chicago Jack now works in finance as an investment strategist at Keeco, Inc. and serves as Treasurer and Secretary for the McKee Family Foundation. Outside of the office Jack has played hockey for over 20 years and currently volunteers as a coach in the Chicago Jets youth hockey program.

board chair, executive/governance Committee chair Carolyn is a DEI Consultant with EY where she works internally to lead DEI initiatives across Americas Consulting practice. Carolyn has proven skills in diversity and inclusion program development, strategic management, talent processes, project management, and non-profit management. She has a deep passion for building strong interpersonal relationships through an understanding of business needs resulting in successful consultative support with a resounding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Carolyn is passionate about giving back to the community through serving on multiple boards focused on military veterans, women and children; such as Folds of Honor, Volunteers…

Director Nicholas Cade is a member of the leadership team at Tradewater, a carbon offset project developer. From 2013 to 2018, he served as an active duty officer in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps and continues to serve as a reserve officer. He is also a member of the Truman National Security Project and is active in a number of civic organizations. Nicholas has previously been a practicing lawyer in both the public and private sector, and was a public school teacher. He lives in Chicago with his wife and two children.

Director, Finance Committee Chair Kari currently serves as CFO for Bee Line in the Chicagoland area. A Kansas native with roots in the oil business, she spent 10+ years working for Charles and David Koch. Kari moved to Chicago 10 years ago when recruited by Univar, which included a yearlong stint in North Dakota scratch starting infrastructure in the Bakken Shale. Kari holds a B.S. in Accounting from McPherson College and an MBA from Wichita State University. She has always been passionate about giving back to the community serving as a mentor and board member in a host of nonprofits in…

Director, Fundraising Committee Chair Michael is a wireless communication industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience across multiple carriers. He has held various executive leadership posts in sales, operations, real estate, and strategic planning. Michael is a Veteran of the US Army, Army Reserves, and Illinois Army National Guard (’91-’02). Michael and his wife Beth, along with their three boys, reside in South Barrington, IL. They are actively involved in their local church, and support Safe Families for Children, providing temporarily hosting for children of families in crisis, and operate a Sport Clips franchise in Chicagoland.

Director Jack is the Vice President of Marketing at ButcherJoseph & Co. Jack is an accomplished financial services marketing and communications executive with over 20 years of experience driving new business and market share through comprehensive marketing initiatives. Jack leads all aspects of marketing and communications for ButcherJoseph, from go-to-market strategy and driving brand awareness to lead generation and sales enablement efforts to support the firm’s business development process. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Management from the University of Illinois, and a BA in English Literature from Eastern Illinois University, and resides in Downers Grove, IL with his wife and…

Secretary Brian is a partner of the international law firm K&L Gates LLP, where he litigates trade secret and restrictive covenant cases, as well as a wide array of complex matters including wage and hour class and collective actions. Brian also has experience advising clients in the areas of digital technology, staffing and recruiting, and insurance and financial services on drafting and implementing restrictive covenants, compensation incentive and commission plans, and complying with federal, state and local fair employment laws.

director, audit/risk management chair Carlos currently serves as the 1st Vice President Head of Project Management, Products, Marketing and Facilities at Old Second National Bank. With over 20 years of banking experience, Carlos has held various positions in the industry including Retail, Business Development, Training and Operations. His community activities include serving as former Secretary on the Board of Directors for Empowering Youth Through Travel which served at-risk youth, the opportunity to travel abroad; former Treasurer on the Board of Directors for a nonprofit that assists the elderly community living in Chicago’s western suburbs and an activity volunteer with Operation H.O.P.E.,…