Chicago, IL – October 11, 2021 - United Way of Metro Chicago is pleased to announce the addition of 17 new members to its board of directors. Over the past year, United Way has doubled down on its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through initiatives like the 21-Week Equity Challenge, Chicago Connected and the growth of its internal Racial Equity Committee. Expanding the board has been a key component of the DEI efforts. This incoming group is 39% women and 31% Black or Latinx, representing the diversity of the city and offering deep connections to communities.
The new board members represent some of the Chicago region’s most well-respected leaders in their fields, including:
• Alicia Ponce, founder and principal at APMonarch. Ponce is proud to be among the <1% of Latina-licensed architects. She has long been a supporter of United Way’s community-led, place-based initiatives, which are economically, socially and environmentally feasible.
• Paulette Dodson, general counsel and corporate secretary at Alight Solutions. Dodson brings a wealth of experience and knowledge on board governance and legal matters to the board.
• John O. Hudson III, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. Hudson, a HBCU graduate, is committed to leveraging the company’s philanthropic investments to inspire and support young entrepreneurs and building economic security for families.
Additional new board members include: David Blowers president, national services - wealth management at Northern Trust; Linda T. Coberly, Chicago managing partner at Winston & Strawn LLP; Kenneth Escoe, executive vice president specialty products at ITW; Manuel Flores, president and CEO at SomerCor; Linda Imonti, managing principal at KPMG Chicago; Darren Jones, president of the central plains district at UPS; Carina Markel, deals managing partner at PwC; Randy Mehrberg, co-managing partner at Jenner & Block; Neil Murray, global CEO work dynamics at JLL; Mark Prindiville, executive vice president and chief risk officer at Allstate Insurance Company; Jud Snyder, Chicago office managing partner at EY; Julia Sznewajs, managing partner at Res Publica Group; Brooke Thompson, managing director, market executive greater Chicago at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.; and Wolfe Tone, national deloitte private tax leader at Deloitte LLP.
“We are so proud to be bringing in such a diverse, high-caliber group of professionals to steer the direction of United Way,” said Sean Garrett, CEO and president of United Way of Metro Chicago. “With their help, and working with Cheryl Francis, a long-time board member who has recently stepped into the board chair role, I truly believe countless more individuals throughout the Chicago region will have the opportunity to reach their potential.”
United Way of Metro Chicago congratulates this outstanding group of individuals and is thrilled to have them join United Way’s mission of building a stronger, more equitable region. To view the complete board of directors, visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/our-team.
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About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together businesses, government, nonprofits, and community leaders to deliver funding, resources and expertise to nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We are working alongside our partners at the neighborhood level to tackle the systemic issues that have plagued our region, creating communities where children and families can thrive. United, we’re building stronger neighborhoods for a stronger Chicago region. To learn more, visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.
Media Contacts:
United Way of Metro Chicago – Marilyn Jackson, 312-906-2387, marilyn.jackson@liveunitedchicago.org
Prosper Strategies – Walker Post, 773-597-7504, walker@prosper-strategies.com