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The son of Chicago Hope Academy founders, Bob and Tina Muzikowski, Ike graduated from Hope in 2011 before studying Economics at Columbia University. He served as the College Counselor, Admissions Director, long-term sub, International Student Program Director, and varsity soccer coach at Hope prior to earning a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Harvard. Ike then served as principal for two years before taking on the dual role of president and principal for the next five years. He now serves exclusively as president, continuing to lead and support the school’s mission.
Ike Muzikowski
President
The daughter of Chicago Hope Academy Founders, Scout graduated Hope in 2015 before attending the University of Notre Dame, where she captained the women's rugby team and invested in programs serving students throughout the South Bend community. After graduation, she worked in commercial real estate before returning to her alma mater. Scout has served as Director of Admissions & Student Life while also coaching girls rugby and flag football and assisting with girls basketball. Passionate about building relationships, creating opportunities for students, and using sports as a tool for community, she now serves as Chicago Hope Academy’s principal. She enjoys mentoring students, college and career counseling, and strengthening the Hope community.
Scout Muzikowski Gonzalez
Principal
Pat Ahern is a financial executive with extensive experience working with large and small organizations. Most recently, Pat was the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Mutual Chicago. Pat holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he was an Evans Scholar. He also earned an MBA in Corporate Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.Pat has served as the President of the 1900 Club at Immaculate Conception Grade School for more than 10 years. He serves on the board of the United Cerebral Palsy of Chicago Foundation. He also serves as a mentor for the Bridge Communities transitional housing program. Pat lives in Elmhurst with his wife and their four boys. Pat enjoys golf, running, college football, coaching his son's basketball and football teams, and spending time with his family.
Patrick Ahern
Finance Controller
Leadership
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Chris Brasfield brings 29 years of experience in athletics and leadership, spanning collegiate and professional sports as he returns to Hope. A founding staff member when the school opened in 2005, Brasfield previously served in key roles at Hope including Bible teacher and Dean of Students. A former Power 4 football student-athlete at Texas Christian University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a master’s in Liberal Arts. His career includes coaching and administrative roles at top programs such as the University of Oregon—where he helped lead the team to a Pac-10 Championship and a National Championship game appearance —as well as the University of Nebraska, SMU, Oregon State, Samford University, and UT Rio Grande Valley. In addition to his collegiate experience, Brasfield has worked with five NFL organizations, served as an NFL scout, and contributed in church leadership and personal training. Known for his holistic approach to student-athlete development, Brasfield is committed to fostering growth academically, athletically, and spiritually. He often sums up his mission by saying, “I get to connect people to their purpose.” Chris is the father of three adult children: Tyson, Taylor, and Truman.
Chris Brasfield
Athletics Director
Charles has been a part of the Hope community for over 6 years. While serving as the pastor of Harvest House Church on the west-side of Chicago, Charles was invited to preach at a chapel service at Hope Academy. The mission and vision of Hope aligned so perfectly with how He had been praying for God to use him in the communities where he grew up. He applied his experience and training in real estate and business to come alongside the mission of Hope Cafe and Hope Homes from 2017 to 2021. In 2021, Charles transitioned and began to serve in the role of Dean of School Culture with Hope Academy. With the combination of his military background, experience in youth leadership and pastoral wisdom, Charles is tasked with leading the charge to inspire and direct Hope students and families to embrace the culture that makes Hope unique and distinctive from any other program of its kind.
Charles Landrum
Dean of School Culture
Christopher is the Director of Community Relations and Outreach, a member of the Development Team and the Head Football Coach at Chicago Hope Academy. He is the former Executive Director of the Chicago Violence Reduction Strategy and the former City of Chicago Director of Community Safety Initiatives where he worked to reduce group and gang violence in the City of Chicago.Christopher has devoted his life to public service, advocating for social justice and serving residents and children in urban communities. He has coached football for more than twenty-five years and has also served the City of Chicago as an Assistant Corporation Counsel; the Faith Community of St. Sabina as General Counsel and Executive Director of the youth center, and the Chicago Public Schools, as a Magnet Schools Cluster Coordinator. Mallette has an A.B. from Princeton University graduate and a J.D. from the University ofPennsylvania School of Law. Christopher and his wife Kendall have four children.
Christopher Mallette
Director of Community Engagement
Rebecca Rodriguez, born and raised in Illinois, received her BS from Middle Tennessee State University in Art, History, English, and Human Development. She then went on to receive her MA in Literature and her teaching certificate from the University of New Hampshire. Over the years, Rebecca has taught writing, grammar, film, literature, and science at various high schools and colleges, including the University of New Hampshire, Harold Washington College, Malcolm X College, College of DuPage, Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, and several Chicagoland Christian classical homeschool co-ops. She lives in Humboldt Park with her husband of 25 years, her three sons (one attending Hope & two Hope grads now at UIUC and Olivet), and their Irish Terrier. She enjoys yoga, camping, road trips, birding, reading, and hanging out in her backyard around the fire pit. Rebecca serves at Chicago Hope Academy with this quote in mind: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ― Aristotle
Rebecca Rodriguez
Dean of Academics
Teachers
Jonathan is the Math Department head at Chicago Hope Academy and teaches Algebra I, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus.
Jonathan Alioto
Latausha Allen was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago. She holds an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with minors in Sociology and Criminology from Northern Illinois University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Secondary Education.
Latausha teaches psychology and sociology from a Christian worldview, helping students explore human behavior and society while connecting their learning to God’s truth.
Outside of the classroom, Latausha enjoys spending time with her husband of 20 years and their five children. She enjoys Bible study, theatre, road trips, binge-watching crime shows, painting, shopping, and serving others.
Latausha Allen
Cheyenne Brooks is excited to begin her fifth year at Hope. This year, she will be diving deep into science as she teaches AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Environmental Science. Whether exploring cellular processes or studying global ecosystems, Cheyenne loves helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them.
Outside of the school day, Cheyenne enjoys a busy and fulfilling life as a wife and mom to two handsome boys. She recharges by spending quality time with her family, getting lost in a great book, practicing yoga, and enjoying the outdoors.
Cheyenne Brooks
Nathaniel Brumbaugh has been at Hope for 6 years as the Freshman Bible teacher and has lived in Chicago for the past 13 years. He has a M.A. from Moody Theological seminary and works as the Youth Pastor at the Moody church. In his free time he enjoys trying new restaurants, coffee shops, and exploring the city with his wife of 10 years, Emily. He’s got a collection of over 100 board games, paints miniatures for wargames, and is up for just about anything as long as it’s with other people. He’s energetic and passionate about helping youth grow into their God given potential. What he loves most about Hope is that he can know every student at the school.
Nate Brumbaugh
Aidan Busch has loved history since he completed a project on Abraham Lincoln in the third grade. He grew up in the northwest Chicago Suburbs and graduated from Wheaton College with a BA in History and Secondary Education, and has a MA in School Leadership from Baylor University. He is passionate about helping students understand the complexity of history, and his favorite time period to study (and teach!) is the lead-up to the Civil War. In his free time, Aidan loves to do anything outside with his wife and dog, and leads a small group at church. Most weekends he can be found spending time with family or friends, drinking coffee, or doing yard work.
Aidan Busch
Daniel J. Cameron (Ph.D. The University of Aberdeen) is a Bible Teacher, Head of the Bible Department, and Director of Spiritual Life at Chicago Hope Academy. He has over a decade of experience in education at the middle school, high school, and college level. As a theologian and researcher, his main research interests and publications lie in the doctrine of the church and theology & pop culture. In addition, he serves as the Lead Pastor of the English Ministry at Promise and Fulfillment Community Church in Northbrook, Il. He lives in Chicago with his wife Sarah and their dog Captain.
Daniel Cameron
Johanna DeHaven has her MA in the History of Christianity from Wheaton College. She also majored in Biblical and Theological Studies for her undergraduate degree at Wheaton. In addition, she is trained and licensed to teach social studies and history at the secondary level by the state of Illinois. She enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her family’s dogs in her free time. This is her fifth year teaching World History at Chicago Hope Academy.
Johanna DeHaven
Greg teaches Geometry and Algebra II at Chicago Hope Academy.
Greg Dworjan
Elizabeth teaches Archeology at Chicago Hope Academy.
Elizabeth Emswiler
Ingrid is originally from Argentina and is passionate about sharing her culture and language with students. She holds a Master’s degree in Spanish as a Second Language, as well as extensive experience teaching Spanish to students of different ages and backgrounds. This year at Hope, Ingrid will be teaching Spanish 1 and Spanish 2, and is excited to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where students can grow in their language skills and cultural understanding.
Ingrid is thrilled to be part of the Hope community because of its warm atmosphere, strong sense of purpose, and commitment to helping students succeed not only academically but also personally. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring new places, reading, and spending time outdoors. She also loves cooking traditional Argentine dishes to share with family and friends. She looks forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing together!
Ingrid Garcia
Collin Hardy grew up in Lafayette, Indiana. During high school, he moved to Byron, Illinois. Collin received his BA from Wheaton College in Political Sciences and Theology. He is very passionate about financial literacy, discipline, and wise stewardship with resources God has blessed people with. Using this passion, Collin will be teaching consumer math. Some of Collin’s hobbies include reading and playing classic video games. In addition, Collin is the assistant coach for Hope Wrestling.
Colin Hardy
Mr. Kolmer was born in St. Louis, MO, where he studied English at Saint Louis University and earned his Masters in Education at Lindenwood University. After three years of elevating his teaching craft in St. Louis, he packed up his belongings and headed for Chicago to start the next chapter of his life. Now living in Lincoln Park, he enjoys walking the busy streets of Chicago, trying new restaurants, and most of all, going to Wrigley Field when the Cardinals are in town. This year, he looks forward to helping the students of Chicago Hope tap into their true potential.
Charles Kolmer
Omar teaches English III and AP English Language & Composition at Chicago Hope Academy. Originally from Guatemala, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Universidad Panamericana de Guatemala and a Master's degree in Marketing and Political Communications from Universidad de la Rioja in Barcelona. Before transitioning back to education, Omar spent years helping organizations and individuals tell their stories. His professional background spans corporate training, global client relations, and digital media, including producing national broadcast television content for millions of viewers.
Outside the classroom, he continues his passion for visual media through his commercial photography and videography business. He also serves as a worship leader and is involved in his local youth ministry. Omar is excited to bring his real-world communications experience to Hope Academy, empowering students to grow in how they read, write, and confidently share their own narratives.
Omar Landaverry
Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Ruby Yao Lorenzo speaks Hokkien, Filipino, English and Mandarin. Mrs. Lorenzo has a BS major in Chemistry from Far Eastern University, MS in Chemistry Education from Ateneo de Manila University, and a Post Baccalaureate in Health Information Management from UIC. After teaching for 11 years, she became an administrator in two Christian schools in the Philippines before migrating to US in 2005. Since 2007, she has continued her teaching career at Hope. She has fond memories of her travel in 9 countries. In her spare time, she enjoys watching sci-fi, listening to classical music and preaching. Her favorite quotation is from C.T. Studd, “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Ruby Lorenzo
Grace teaches English I at Chicago Hope Academy.
Grace Markwell
Reina Mendez was born and raised in Guatemala and is entering her second year as a full-time substitute teacher at Chicago Hope Academy. She is passionate about supporting students and creating a positive, encouraging learning environment. Outside of school, Reina enjoys staying active by going to the gym and loves traveling whenever she has the opportunity. She is also actively involved in her church, where she faithfully serves. Her faith is a central part of her life and guides the way she serves and cares for others both inside and outside the classroom.
Reina Mendez
Mr. Ortiz grew up in Puerto Rico, where he graduated with a BA in Psychology. He has worked in a high school setting for the last 20 years. He served both as a teacher and a Spiritual Life Coordinator for an ACSI accredited school in Puerto Rico (Wesleyan Academy) and has been working at Chicago Hope as a teacher for the last 10 years. Mr. Ortiz is passionate about working and serving not only as a teacher, but also as a mentor for students.
Jose Ortiz
Diego Sam is a Hope alumnus who graduated in 2020 amidst the beginning of the COVID 19 epidemic. That same year Diego enrolled into the University of Illinois Chicago to pursue a degree in Secondary Education of the Social Sciences. Diego graduated with his degree in May of 2025. He will be the full time substitute teacher at Chicago Hope Academy this year. This means Diego will be in the school at all times while there are classes to ensure that our students always have another educator around in case a teacher is unable to be in their classroom. Diego is incredibly excited to give back to his alma mater which has given so much to him. Diego enjoys weight lifting, attending sports events, reading, and spending invaluable time with his friends and loved ones.
Diego Sam
Mr. Schreiber teaches philosophy. His teaching is in large measure shaped by two contexts. First, he grew up in Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire where his family cared for a menagerie of wild animals, including apes, monkeys, deer, a civet, a crocodile, and a bush baby. “You can take the boy out of the wild, but you can’t take the wild out of the boy.” Second, he became acquainted with Plato years ago and has been enjoying a deepening friendship ever since. “Choose your friends wisely.” Speaking of wisely, philosophy is defined as the “love of wisdom.” With each passing year, Schreiber senses a growing need for wisdom. Philosophy is a depository of human wisdom which, when viewed in the light of divine Wisdom, is a worthy map on this Journey of Life.
Stephen Schreiber
Travis Shannan teaches Civics at Chicago Hope Academy.
Travis Shannan
Nicolas Valderrama is in his sixth year as a teacher and his second year at Hope, where he is teaching Human Geography as well as AP Human Geography. He graduated from Michigan State University with a major in History Education and a minor in TESOL. Nicolas is very passionate about his role as an educator and enjoys helping guide students through their educational experience. When he is not in school, Nicolas enjoys finding local bookshops with his wife, watching sports and being active with his friends, and unwinding at home with his wife and their two cats. Nicolas is excited to get to know the freshman class and is looking forward to this academic school year.
Nicolas Valderrama
Madeline grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She attended DePaul University, where she majored in Biological Sciences, and then pursued her certificate in Secondary Science Education at Calvin University.
After college, Madeline lived in Denver, Colorado, for three years, where she spent much of her free time exploring the mountains and going on hikes.
She moved to Chicago last year and is so excited to teach Science at Chicago Hope Academy!
Madeline VanderSluis
Mr. Walters is an experienced union electrician with over 20 years of experience in residential, industrial, and commercial electrical installations, maintenance, and repair. He has a proven track record of successful projects and various infrastructures with a commitment to safety and efficiency. His goal at Hope is to prepare students for a registered apprenticeship program by offering structured pre-apprenticeship training.
Kevin Walters
Staff
Maria is dedicated to expanding educational access and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. With a background in program management, community partnerships, and youth development, she brings a blend of strategic thinking, empathy, and operational excellence to her work. She has led large conferences, coordinated multi-stakeholder projects, and guided organizations through streamlined workflows. Maria is fluent in Ukrainian, serves on several nonprofit boards, and is passionate about building relationships that connect donors, families, and communities to meaningful missions. She holds an M.S. in Global Health from Northwestern University and a B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago.
Maria Bandriwsky
Director of Mission Advancement
Kristen Blevins is from Knoxville, TN. She earned her Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Lee University and is a two-time NCAA All-American in Track & Field. She’s the only girl and the middle child among two brothers. Kristen enjoys a good laugh, is quite silly, and strives to be the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13-16). She also loves reading, hiking, and watching movies. To give you a sense of her enthusiasm, she’s the person who claps in the theater at the end of a good movie.
Kristen Blevins
Student Success Coordinator
Gail Clark has been a pillar in her community for many years and is passionate about the students and families in which she serves and brings to the table over 15 years in education and more than 25 years in a role of leadership and development. She comes to Hope in the capacity of the Executive Assistant to the President. Gail studied Psychology Pre-Med at the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned her B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Leadership and Development at National Louis University. Gail is currently pursuing her M.S. in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) at NLU.
Gail Clark
Director of Operations
Jenellie is a Chicago native (GO CUBS!) born and raised in the West side of Chicago in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Jenellie is the first generation of her family to graduate from college receiving her Master’s in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University. Jenellie loves to encourage, support, and empower students and staff at Hope. Her favorite things are dancing, laughing, and cuddling her fur baby (JAXX).
Jenellie Coleman
School Counselor
Mireya is the Assistant Director of Admissions at Chicago Hope Academy.
Mireya Dones
Assistant Director of Admissions
Carl Esquibel brings over 20 years of IT experience spanning both corporate and educational environments. He loves to remain up to date on the latest technology trends and applying them in meaningful ways to his work. Outside of the workplace, he enjoys writing and recording music and has a lifelong passion for skateboarding - though these days he enjoys it from a distance. Carl is grateful to be part of the Hope community, as it aligns with his Christian faith and values. He looks forward to supporting the school’s mission through both technology and faith-driven service.
Carl Esquibel
Director of Technology
Sarah brings over 25 years of finance experience in faith-based, mission-driven organizations and is currently pursuing a BA in Accounting.
Sarah is honored to be part of the Hope team, where she continues to be inspired by its mission, culture, and family-like atmosphere. She believes that every person deserves to be part of a community that loves them, supports them, and believes in their God-given potential. As a Chicago native, she enjoys going to both Cubs AND Sox games, being part of local Euchre leagues and is a self proclaimed Skeeball champion!
Sarah Griffin
Staff Accountant
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Andrew Jensen
School Clerk
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Kewa Marshall works in facilities and maintenance at Chicago Hope Academy.
Kewa Marshall
Facilities and Maintenance
Born and raised in Chicago, Ronnie Fields starred at Farragut Academy from 1992–1996, where he was a teammate of Kevin Garnett during the 1994 season. As a senior, he earned All-USA first-team honors while averaging 32.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game. Just weeks before the state playoffs, Fields suffered a broken neck in a car accident—but he refused to let it end his basketball career.
Fields declared for the 1996 CBA Draft and was selected 73rd overall by the La Crosse Bobcats. He went on to play professionally in the Philippine Basketball Association with the Tanduay Rhum Masters and in Venezuela, Turkey, Lebanon, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Greece. He also played in the ABA, reuniting with Joey Meyer with the Chicago Skyliners during the 2000–01 season.
Today, Fields is a dedicated coach and mentor to young athletes across Chicago through Chicago Hope Academy and his program, Ronnie Fields Elite.
Ronnie Fields
Head Basketball Coach
Dionne is a mom of four wonderful children who resides on the near north side of Chicago. Dionne attended Chicago Public Schools during her childhood and made her way to Carbondale at SIU for undergrad. When she returned to Chicago, she attended Chicago State for graduate school, where she soon quickly entered into the teaching profession. Dionne's most favorite pastime is hopping in her minivan with her children and mom for adventurous road trips.
Dionne McKenzie
Registrar/Power School Administrator
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Melissa Montiel is a proud Hope alumna and a first-generation college student who received her BA in Sociology and Spanish from Wheaton College. She is passionate about college readiness and access to equal opportunities available to first-generation students. She is also a Director of Academics with HFS Chicago Scholars.
Melissa Montiel
Main Office Manager
Sydney Moore serves as the Assistant Athletic Director of Communications and External Affairs at Chicago Hope Academy, overseeing athletics communications, marketing, branding, media relations, event operations, digital strategy, and external engagement. A former NCAA Division I volleyball student-athlete, she earned her B.S. from Florida A&M University and her M.S. in Journalism, specializing in Sports Media, from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has been featured by BET, ESPN, SportsCenter, ABC News, and other regional and national outlets, and she has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for excellence in visual journalism.
Sydney Moore
Assistant Athletic Director
Jose grew up in the Gage Park neighborhood of Chicago and is a Chicago Hope Academy alumni. After obtaining a degree in Business – Finance from Calvin University, he worked at the City of Grand Rapids doing community and business development and at Bank of America doing personal banking. Jose is excited to be back at Hope and be part of Hope’s supportive and compassionate community. His favorite things in Chicago are trying new coffee shops and restaurants, playing pick-up basketball, and exploring different neighborhoods.
Jose Nietes
Director of Career Advancement
As a varsity student-athlete, Dorian Robinson graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, NY, where he majored in Communication & Media Studies. He then spent a year in Rome earning a masters degree in Sports Business while playing basketball at the professional level. His previous work experience includes an internship at Coyote Logistics, helping to lead Hi-Five Sports Camp, and working in the Admissions Department all while being inducted into the communication honor society, Lamba Pi Eta.
Dorian Robinson
Director of Admissions
Keith Sanders is a lifetime Chicagoan with a passion for mentoring youth to combat the temptations and accessibility of negative lifestyles in Chicago. After leaving his position as a Sports Coordinator for the Chicago Park District, Keith spent two decades in Chicago Public Schools as a Security Guard and Basketball Coach before taking on his role at Hope. He enjoys coaching basketball, softball, and volleyball for students of all ability levels. He celebrates students for pursuing a passion before excelling in a passion, and is determined to help educators see the potential and goodness in every student.
Keith Sanders
Assistant Building Manager
Steve Warren is the Assistant Athletic Director at Chicago Hope Academy.
Steve Warren
Assistant Athletic Director
Board of Directors
Matt Gerdes is a Principal and Managing Director of Freeport Financial Partners LLC, a Chicago-based investment management firm. He is responsible for structuring and managing middle-market private credit investments for Freeport’s funds and is a member of the firm’s investment and management committees. Mr. Gerdes graduated with a B.S. in Finance from Northern Illinois University and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Western Springs and have two college-age children. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with family and friends on Delavan Lake in Wisconsin and coaching youth basketball.
Matt Gerdes
Board Chair
DeRondal Bevly is the founder and managing director of RubyRose Strategies, LLC, a strategic communications boutique firm that specializes in creating platforms for managing, marketing and distributing brand content. He has nearly two decades of combined professional and philanthropic experience and is deeply passionate about developing and leveraging relationships within Chicago’s non-profit and philanthropic community. He is a Chicagoland native, earned his bachelor’s of business administration in economics at Western Michigan University and currently resides in Forest Park, Illinois.
DeRondal Bevly
Josh is an attorney at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C., concentrating his practice on the needs of middle-market businesses, their owners, and entrepreneurs. Josh earned his bachelor’s from Huntington University and a law degree from Loyola University Chicago. Before his work as an attorney, he taught English and Speech, Logic and Debate, as well as coaching boys’ soccer for three years at Chicago Hope Academy. He and his fellow coaches were named 2010 Coach of the Year in the Chicago Prep Conference. Josh has continued his dedication to adequate and equitable K-12 education after law school.
Josh Cauhorn
Mike is a Wealth Manager at Alchemy Financial Group. With over 30 years experience in Finance, Mike serves on Hope's Board as well as the Finance Committee and chair of the Investment Committee. Involved with the school since founding in 2005, his family also helped underwrite chapel reconstruction. Mike has coached both the varsity boy's baseball as well as basketball programs. He and his wife Kristie attend Willow Creek Church and they are the proud parents of Jackson (Hope '15), Kathryn and Clayton. Mike still enjoys coaching youth baseball with his 2 grown sons and golfing with friends and family.
Michael Edwards
Kristin Jackson is an entrepreneur with a passion for presenting news and information in a free and fair way. Kristin launched Freespoke.com in 2022, where she is now the President. She is also the CEO of Paycheckology. Kristin previously served as a senior advisor to the Kemp Foundation and The Policy Circle. Earlier in her career, Kristin was a public servant on Capitol Hill and an Associate Program Officer at an institute promoting democracy and combating authoritarian regimes in Latin America. Kristin has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Psychology and Spanish from Missouri State University and a master’s in Government from Georgetown University.
Kristin Jackson
Gene is the Executive Director of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – National Electrical Contractors Association (IBEW-NECA) Technical Institute (IN-Tech). Over his 25-year career Gene has developed a passion for the unionized electrical industry. He spent years as an electrician before shifting into an instructor position developing apprentices into journeypersons. Now, as Director of IN-Tech, Gene’s passion has changed to help support and develop the people of the unionized electrical industry. Gene has earned a B.S. from Illinois Institute of Technology, a M.S. in Education Design from Purdue University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Concordia University. Gene has an amazing wife and three wonderful young children.
Gene Kent
David Lewis is the founder and CEO of Circumspect Capital, a private investment firm focused on acquiring and building lower middle-market companies. David leads career development efforts in partnership with Chicago Booth Alumni Club for Hope’s student body. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. David is a graduate of Hampton University, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. David and his wife, Dr. Dakisha Lewis, live in Oak Park with 3 sons – Joshua, Jacob, and Noah.
David Lewis
Tom Luick is a Managing Director with Protiviti, leading Protiviti’s Technology Consulting solution for Midwest US. Tom is a member of Protiviti’s global Technology Consulting leadership team, helping set the solution’s strategy and manage its operations. He is also the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion champion for Protiviti’s Chicago office and a leader in the firm’s advocacy for education in the community. Tom and his wife Rachel have two children, Hailey and Michael, both attending St. Ignatius College Prep. The Luick family lives in the Lakeview neighborhood and are active members of St. Josaphat parish, enjoy city life in Chicago, traveling, and sports.
Tom Luick
James E. McGill co-founded Stotan Industrial in 2021 and serves as President-Principal, overseeing investment opportunities, strategic direction, and daily operations. Under his leadership, the company grew from 2 to 12 employees by 2024 and expanded into new markets. Stotan has completed over 2.5 million square feet of development projects, with $316 million invested across five states. Before Stotan, Jim was Executive VP at CA Industrial, where he helped grow the platform and completed $50M in assets and $95M in construction. Jim holds degrees in finance from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa.
James McGill
Traci Melcher is from Springfield, Massachusetts and holds degrees from University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Georgetown University. Traci served in the Navy for 23 years with a variety of sea and shore assignments, most notably as Commanding Officer of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six. Following retirement from Naval Service in 2007, Traci embarked on a career of education and community activism. Traci also has a degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu. She actively serves at First Presbyterian Church of River Forest. Traci and her husband Chuck reside in Oak Park and enjoy traveling and spending time with their four grown children.
Traci Melcher
Chris Porter is an Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield. Since joining C&W in 1987, Chris has been involved in the successful completion of more than 900 transactions with an aggregate value in excess of $2.5 billion and is a consistent top producer. He represents sellers, purchasers, landlords, or tenants, in the sale or lease of industrial facilities, land or build-to-suits in the Chicago marketplace. In addition, he provides advisory/strategic and transaction services for clients with multi-market (national and international) commercial real estate portfolios. Passionate about social change in Chicago, Chris joined the Chicago Hope board in 2013.
Chris Porter
Brian Sir currently serves as a member of the Audit Committee of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm with more than $270 billion in assets under management, where he previously worked as the Chief Operating Officer. Brian also served as a member of numerous of the Firm’s internal governance and operating committees, was a senior advisor to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and a co-executive sponsor of WIIN (Women’s Innovation and Inclusion Network). Prior to joining Guggenheim, Brian was a partner and Executive Committee member of the law firm of Schuyler, Roche & Zwirner. He is a graduate of Quincy University, passed the CPA examination, and received a J.D. from the University of Illinois School of Law.
Brian Sir
Gregg is President of Admiral Advisory Group in Naperville, IL. He has 30+ years of tax and risk management experience and has served for 12 years in the Hope community. He is a graduate of the Booth school of business and is on the Finance and Executive Committees.
Gregg Vann
Alissa serves as President of the Board of Directors of Oak Rose Fund, working to advance meaningful improvements in education, workforce development, health, and economic mobility. An experienced legislative affairs and policy professional, she brings more than a decade of political and government experience, including roles at Empower Illinois, a leading scholarship-granting organization focused on education policy advocacy and supporting Black students and majority-minority private schools, and on Capitol Hill, where she specialized in financial services, veterans’ affairs, armed services, and education.A graduate of the University of Kansas, DePaul College of Law, and American University, Alissa is a member of the Illinois Bar and holds a master’s degree in Public and Strategic Communications. She and her husband, Richard, are active in philanthropic efforts across the Midwest.
Alissa Vogel