February 9, 2023

Board of Regents

Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois

Where did you go to college, and what was your major?
Northwestern University for economics

Where do you currently work? Tell us about your current role.
I am currently pivoting to corporate board service from being an executive at public companies. My last role ended in March 2021—I was the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of LSC Communications, Inc.

What are your passions or hobbies outside of work?
Chasing after twins who are now seniors in high school. I watch a LOT of ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, and tennis—the kids are very sporty. I love travel (when we can), reading, and baking.

When you were in high school, what were your favorite activities outside the classroom?
Track and field team, pom pom dance team, basketball statistician, pep club, and working at Lou’s Drive In (a 50s style hot dog stand).

What is your favorite place to travel to? What do you like to do there?
It’s a toss-up between northern Michigan and Montana. In northern Michigan, we visit with family, take bike and boat rides, and walk into town for ice cream. In Montana, we hike in the summer and downhill ski in the winter.

Who is the person who made the greatest impact on your life growing up? How did they help shape you?
Both of my parents—my father who taught me to embrace the things I wasn’t good at so that I would get better at them (and he remains my biggest fan). My mother pushed me to participate in team sports and to always keep a positive attitude.

How did you get connected to Mercy Home?
Initially, my high school homeroom class “adopted” Mercy Home as its charity to support our senior year. I learned all about the Home and Fr. Close then. Later, Karen Parkhill invited me to a meeting with Mayor Daley and then to a Graduates’ Luncheon, where I sat next to Fr. Close. All the memories of high school flooded back, so I learned about the Home and was hooked.

Why is the mission of Mercy Home important to you?
Helping kids in crisis find a stable, safe environment where they can grow and learn is something that I am really drawn to.

What would you like your legacy at Mercy Home to be?
I would like to think that I supported, in some small measure, the great work that the boards do for the Home.