Strong Leadership + Bold Vision =
BIG Results
Our Mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Our Vision is that all children achieve success in life.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago is an affiliate of the oldest, most respected mentoring organization in the US. We are a mission driven, performance based organization that is professionally managed and provides high quality 1:1 mentoring services to 1,700 of Metro Chicago’s most at-risk children and their families across four counties: Cook, DuPage and Lake Counties in Illinois and Indiana.
As Metro Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”) between the ages of 7 and 14. Private corporate, foundation and individual contributions provide 94% of our revenue base upon which we build programming that meets the needs of each child individually, whether he/she comes from a disadvantaged or single-parent home, lives in foster care, has been abused or neglected, is involved in the juvenile justice system or simply needs a consistent friendship. Our programs are proven to keep kids in school, out of trouble and on the path to post-graduate success.
Our Impact
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago (BBBSMC) helps children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children, strengthen communities and believe that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.From 2010 to early 2017, Jeremy was our Senior Vice President – Development at BBBSMC, managing a $3 million portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual investors. Prior to 2010, Jeremy served as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County. This year marks Jeremy’s 24th year as a nonprofit professional. Jeremy is originally from Sioux City, Iowa where he graduated from Briar Cliff University, holding a Bachelors’ Degree in Sociology and Business Administration and is a certified Family Development Specialist through the University of Iowa.
Michelle is responsible for the management and oversight of the School, Workplace, Club, Flex and Evening Site Based Programs. She supervises four Managers of Site Based Mentoring and has 18 Site Based Program staff. Michelle has been with the Agency fourteen years and has held positions of increasing responsibility in the Site Based Program area. Michelle received a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She currently resides in Chicago with her husband and daughter.
Prior to joining BBBSMC in December of 2014, Muna spent ten years assisting with the nationwide replication of the Amachi Mentoring Model, a mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents. She served as Program Director at Public/Private Ventures and later as Vice President of Amachi, Inc. Throughout her tenure she worked with more than a hundred BBBS and mentoring organizations across the country. Before joining the nonprofit sector, Muna held various roles in financial services. She holds a Bachelor of Communications from Santa Clara University, a Masters in Journalism from Northwestern University, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Tim is responsible for all areas of Finance including Accounts Receivable, Accounts payable, Cash Flow Management, Employee Payroll and monthly reporting to the BBBSMC Board of Directors Finance Committee. Prior to joining BBBS in 2013, Tim enjoyed a 20-year career with ADS Logistics Co, LLC where he served as their Chief Financial Officer. Tim holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Iowa State University. He grew up in Frankfort, IL and attended Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox.
Everardo's career has evolved across all areas of administration and operations including benefits, employee relations, staffing, compensation, physical & technical infrastructure, legal compliance, strategic initiatives and day-to-day agency operations. He has been with BBBSMC for fourteen years. Prior to his career with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Everardo worked with a variety of organizations including the National Center for Latinos with Disabilities (NCLD), where he held titles as Office Manager, Associate Director and Executive Director during his ten year career with the NCLD. He has also worked at the International Latino Cultural Center (formerly the CLC), and the National Puerto Rican Forum. Everardo is a graduate of East-West University and resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Kristine is responsible for planning, development and implementation of the agency’s integrated marketing strategies, both internal and external. Prior to joining BBBSMC, she served in account management and copywriter positions at marketing and advertising agencies, Upshot and Integrated Marketing Solutions. Kristine has worked on various consumer promotion, social media and brand engagement programs. Kristine received a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Medill, Northwestern University, and a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Boston College. She graduated from Barrington High School and currently resides in Chicago.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Verna is responsible for developing and executing human resources strategies in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, specifically in the areas of talent management, talent acquisition, organizational and performance management, employee relations, total rewards, training and development, and HRIS administration. Prior to joining BBBSMC in 2013, Verna managed the Talent Management function of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. Verna received her Bachelors of Professional Studies degree from Roosevelt University and holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) distinction from the Human Resources Certification Institute of Illinois and a (SHRM-CP) Certification from the Society of Human Resource Management. Verna has over 20 years of professional nonprofit experience, specifically working in administration with Sr. Leadership and Human Resources. Verna resides in Chicago.
From 2010 to early 2017, Jeremy was our Senior Vice President – Development at BBBSMC, managing a $3 million portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual investors. Prior to 2010, Jeremy served as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County. This year marks Jeremy’s 24th year as a nonprofit professional. Jeremy is originally from Sioux City, Iowa where he graduated from Briar Cliff University, holding a Bachelors’ Degree in Sociology and Business Administration and is a certified Family Development Specialist through the University of Iowa.
Michelle is responsible for the management and oversight of the School, Workplace, Club, Flex and Evening Site Based Programs. She supervises four Managers of Site Based Mentoring and has 18 Site Based Program staff. Michelle has been with the Agency fourteen years and has held positions of increasing responsibility in the Site Based Program area. Michelle received a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She currently resides in Chicago with her husband and daughter.
Prior to joining BBBSMC in December of 2014, Muna spent ten years assisting with the nationwide replication of the Amachi Mentoring Model, a mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents. She served as Program Director at Public/Private Ventures and later as Vice President of Amachi, Inc. Throughout her tenure she worked with more than a hundred BBBS and mentoring organizations across the country. Before joining the nonprofit sector, Muna held various roles in financial services. She holds a Bachelor of Communications from Santa Clara University, a Masters in Journalism from Northwestern University, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Tim is responsible for all areas of Finance including Accounts Receivable, Accounts payable, Cash Flow Management, Employee Payroll and monthly reporting to the BBBSMC Board of Directors Finance Committee. Prior to joining BBBS in 2013, Tim enjoyed a 20-year career with ADS Logistics Co, LLC where he served as their Chief Financial Officer. Tim holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Iowa State University. He grew up in Frankfort, IL and attended Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox.
Everardo's career has evolved across all areas of administration and operations including benefits, employee relations, staffing, compensation, physical & technical infrastructure, legal compliance, strategic initiatives and day-to-day agency operations. He has been with BBBSMC for fourteen years. Prior to his career with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Everardo worked with a variety of organizations including the National Center for Latinos with Disabilities (NCLD), where he held titles as Office Manager, Associate Director and Executive Director during his ten year career with the NCLD. He has also worked at the International Latino Cultural Center (formerly the CLC), and the National Puerto Rican Forum. Everardo is a graduate of East-West University and resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Kristine is responsible for planning, development and implementation of the agency’s integrated marketing strategies, both internal and external. Prior to joining BBBSMC, she served in account management and copywriter positions at marketing and advertising agencies, Upshot and Integrated Marketing Solutions. Kristine has worked on various consumer promotion, social media and brand engagement programs. Kristine received a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Medill, Northwestern University, and a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Boston College. She graduated from Barrington High School and currently resides in Chicago.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Verna is responsible for developing and executing human resources strategies in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, specifically in the areas of talent management, talent acquisition, organizational and performance management, employee relations, total rewards, training and development, and HRIS administration. Prior to joining BBBSMC in 2013, Verna managed the Talent Management function of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. Verna received her Bachelors of Professional Studies degree from Roosevelt University and holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) distinction from the Human Resources Certification Institute of Illinois and a (SHRM-CP) Certification from the Society of Human Resource Management. Verna has over 20 years of professional nonprofit experience, specifically working in administration with Sr. Leadership and Human Resources. Verna resides in Chicago.
Board of Directors: Officers
Experienced. Involved. Passionate. The Board of Directors holds our CEO and organization accountable to the mission of providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The Board is vital to helping secure and sustain corporate partnerships and programs, aid in our fundraising efforts and oversee the work of our CEO, Jeremy Foster.
View Full ListBoard of Directors: Members
View Full List-
Gary Abrahams
USG
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Ken Banas
USG
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Heidi Barker
Cleveland Avenue
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Xerxes K. Bhote
Geneva Capital
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Brad Block
Law Offices of Bradford Block
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Leslie Brewer
Familia Dental
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Ryan Butman
EY
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John Compernolle
Bank of America
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Raymond Dennis
RR Donnelley
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Carrie Falkenhayn
Deloitte
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Cara Harrison
KPMG
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John B. Hirsch
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Ashish Karamchandani
Heitman
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Jason Kaye
Health Care Service Corporation
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Dave Kimbell
Ulta Beauty
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Bob Kirby
CDW-G
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John Koepke
Accenture
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Travis Kruger
GTCR
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Anthony Kyles
PepsiCo
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Sandra Linn
Northern Trust
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Rob Livingston
Lockton
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Manoj Mahenthiran
PwC
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Bryan Mark
Comcast
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Jeff Michalczyk
CIBC
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Andrea Palmer
Publicis Health Media
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Robert L. Parkinson III
The Vistria Group
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Sanjay Patel
Raymond James
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Jim Rowe
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
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Nancy Siepman
Takeda
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Sara Spicklemire
CBRE
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John Tocora
Antares Capital
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Mickey Vaja
Grant Thornton
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Andy Watt
Boston Scientific
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Jim Wylie
Marsh
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Lisa Young
Axiom
Leadership Board: Officers
Our Leadership Board is devoted to the organization's vision of making a positive difference in a child's life. They provide funds to grow the agency, recruit and develop future mentors, partners and board members, and generate public awareness of the organization. The board is comprised of young professionals who share a common interest in serving our community and enjoying themselves along the way.
View Full List-
Brian Kohout
Board President
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Alex Basto
VP - Board Development
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Kristen Erekson
VP
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Taylor Fraleigh
VP - Big Recruitment
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Rachel Gradner
VP - Membership
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Jessie Haramis
VP - Social/Networking
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Natalie Matthews
VP - Marketing
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Jared Rapoport
VP - Fund Development
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Logan Sauter
VP - Membership
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Lindsey Scott
VP - Big Recruitment
Leadership Board: Members
View Full List-
Bob Achstatter
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Brian Adams
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Alexander Adegunwa
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Lindsay Basto
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Jake Beck
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Shawn Bradley
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Chad Broderick
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Peter Buckstaff
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Claire Byrne
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Dana Cohen Plotkin
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Courtney Cooper
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Blaise DeLuca
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Natalie Demeris
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Paige Dorfman
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Dave Dytko
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Kelly Wagner Dytko
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Matt Elakatt
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Erik Ellingson
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Kristen Erekson
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LeAaron Foley
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Chris Forfar
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Nicole Gatens
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Luke Gilpin
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Peter Greig
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Patrick Hickey
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Paul Hittman
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Brianna Hudson
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Jeff Huelskamp
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Melissa Johannesen
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Chris Jones
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Zach Krantz
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Liz Lamorena
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Jim Matthews
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Mike Morales
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Katie Morris
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Brett Neumann
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Michael Notton
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Alex Novak
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Alex Page
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Kaitlin Palmer
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Sean Paquet
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Theo Paskal
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Dan Persa
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Jared Rapoport
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Sean Riordan
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Anna Robinson
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Billy Rohaly
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Jessica Schapiro
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Deepa Sheth
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Liz Sheyn
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Sara Smets
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Amber Smith
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Kate Sorensen
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Nicholas Squier
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Konrad Stoick
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Kelly Sweeney
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Kyle Sweeney
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Matthew Tarshis
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Celex Thomas
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Kelly Wagner Dytko
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Brett Wallace
Our Team
Our dedicated staff of over 55 talented individuals have made it their mission to make a difference in a child’s life each and every day.
View Full List-
Kelly Alday
Manager of CB Customer Service & Processing
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Erika Alvarado
Bilingual Enrollment & Matching Specialist
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Sydney Blanch
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Erika Bonilla
Bilingual Site Based Program Coordinator
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Sam Brady
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Kristine Brown
Marketing and Communications Manager
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Anthony Bryant
Site Based Program Coordinator (AmeriCorps Member)
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Monica Calderon
Bilingual Site Based Coordinator
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Matt Calvert
Marketing and Events Coordinator
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Gulia Chernyak
Marketing and Events Manager
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Laura Clark
Match Support Specialist
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Mary Collins
Donor Relations and Database Administrator
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Timothy Corp
Vice President of Finance
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Gabriel Cunine
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Ellen Daniels
Senior Site Based Program Coordinator
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Alyssa Del Angel
Site Based Customer Relations Specialist
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Adriana Delgado
CB Bilingual Match Support Specialist
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Sarah Denton
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Vanessa Figueroa
Manager of Site Based Customer Relations & Processing
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Jeremy Foster
Chief Executive Officer
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Everardo Franco
Chief Operating Officer
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Lizette Garza
Bilingual Site Based Program Coordinator
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Carmen Guzman
Manager of Site Based Programs
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Rachel Hampton
Project 6 Program Manager
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Tabetha Handy
Match Support Specialist
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Michelle Hanfling
Managing Director of Site Based Programs
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Alyson Hankwitz
Match Support Specialist
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Dianna Harris
Project 6 Recruitment Specialist
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Derrick Hessler
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Paris Jackson
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Beth Juarez
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Leah Kirk
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Elizabeth Lancaster
CB Enrollment & Matching Specialist
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Nicole Leitner
Quality Assurance Specialist
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Paul Lewis
Senior Manager of Site Based Programs
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Veronica Lindsey
Receptionist
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Emma Macdonald
Manager of Community Based Match Support Specialists
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Katherine Markiewicz
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Kylie Marshall-Egli
Site Based Enrollment & Matching Specialist
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Jennifer McCool
Senior Bilingual Enrollment & Matching Specialist
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Shameco Moore
Recruitment Specialist
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Simone Newsome
Site Based Enrollment & Matching Specialist
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Casey Nunes
Community Based Recruitment Specialist
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Indira Orozco
Manager of Site Based Programs
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Dee Phillips
Site Based Program Coordinator (AmeriCorps Member)
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Lizzet Proa
Bilingual Site Based Program Coordinator
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Marisa Pyatt
Match Support Specialist
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Rukayat Raji
Project 6 EMS/MSS
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Miesha Ransom
Site Based Recruitment Specialist
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Raymonda Reese
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Kate Rhodes
Manager, Individual Giving & Major Gifts
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Lauren Schulte
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Jacqueline Shack
Project 6 EMS/MSS
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Lina Shoaibi
Accounting Manager
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Sam Strait
Match Resource Specialist (AmeriCorps Member)
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Verna Sutton
Director of Human Resources
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Tiffany Tarsitano
Match Support Specialist
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Melissa Tesch
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Erin Towle
Community Based Customer Relations Specialist
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Michelle Velez
CB Enrollment & Matching Specialist
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Pedro Velez
CB Bilingual Customer Relations Specialist
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Muna Walker
Director of Community Based Programs
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Kelly Walter
Manager of Grants & Foundations
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Natasha Webb
Site Based Program Coordinator
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Brad Whitlock
Manager of Corporate Partnerships
Financials
Putting Your Generosity to Work
BBBSMC has built a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Your generosity keeps us going and enables us to start more kids on the right path. We look forward to sharing how your contribution is being used to serve children, their families and our communities.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with its own audited financial statements.
FY18 Financial Statement | FY18 Form 990 |
FY17 Financial Statement | FY17 Form 990 |
FY16 Financial Statement | FY16 Form 990 |
FY15 Financial Statement | FY15 Form 990 |
W-9 |
Alumni
Welcome Back!
We love hearing from our past Littles. And Bigs. And Board Members. Anyone, really, who touched our organization and made it better.
Share your stories with us – They inspire others to join our organization
Connect with other alumni – You never know what that will spark
Reconnect with BBBSMC – There’s always plenty of new opportunities around here
We’re committed to our alumni. We’re looking to give voice and build momentum for our mission, raise capital support for our vital mentoring programs, and provide opportunities for networking.
When our alumni get back involved, we ensure that our nation’s children will have the opportunities they need to reach their potential.