BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ronald Holt is a 20+ year veteran with the Chicago Police Department and Commander/Deputy-Director of the CAPS Implementation Division (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy). Currently Ronald is Commander of the Special Activities Unit and Citywide Coordinator of the Crime Victim Assistance Program at the Chicago Police Department.

On May 10, 2007, Ronald’s 16-year-old son Blair became an innocent victim to a senseless act of gun violence while riding a CTA bus from school. After the horrible tragedy Ronald was inspired to honor his son and make the argument to youth about the dangers of gangs, guns, drugs and the culture of violence verses the positive impact of education, family values and spiritual enrichment.

In 2009 Ronald Holt was selected as one of 6 recipients by CHICAGO Magazine  as “Chicagoans of The Year Making A Difference in 2009” and beginning in 2010 Ronald was selected by the Mayor’s Office of Chicago to be a part of the Chicago Team to craft a city plan to reduce and end youth violence.

Ronald received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University. He is currently a student-at-large studying towards a Master’s Degree in Criminal Social Justice.

As the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Dale Carnegie – Chicago, Greg is a respected sales leader and sought-after coach. His accomplishments are well-known in the global Dale Carnegie organization as well as in the Chicagoland business community. He is actively involved in his church, particularly in men’s ministry. He and his wife Amy live in Wheaton with their 2 children.

Dr. Garrard McClendon is an Emmy award winning talk show host, professor, and author who has been featured on NBC, Fox News, CNN, NPR, and WGN. He is the author of “Ax or Ask?: The African American Guide to Better English” and an assistant professor at Chicago State University. McClendon is a cancer survivor who continues to fulfill the legacy of his parents by being the Executive Director of the Milton & Ruby McClendon Educational Foundation. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from Loyola University and he lives in Chicago with his wife, Que.

Todd Hollowell is the Chief Operating Officer at Impact Advisors.  Todd has more than 20 years of healthcare information technology experience, and he has in-depth knowledge and experience with technology infrastructure solutions.  He currently oversees the business operations at Impact Advisors, but he spends the majority of his time assisting hospital and clinic organizations, including academic medical centers, community and pediatric hospitals, and integrated delivery networks, with strategic and technology initiatives.  Prior to his role at Impact Advisors, Todd was the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC).  Before UCMC, Todd spent several years in leadership roles at other technology consulting organizations.

Todd has a master’s of science degree in information and communication sciences and a bachelor’s of science degree in management from Ball State University. He also attended The Chicago Management Institute at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.  Todd has written articles in assorted publications and has presented at a number of technology conferences covering a variety of topics.  Todd also recently received honors as one of Consulting Magazine’s Top 25 Consultants of 2015.

Todd lives in Orland Park, Illinois with his wife Angie and their three children, Grace, James and Thomas.

Quanica A. McClendon is a Senior Engineer at ArcelorMittal, out of East Chicago, IN.  She holds four academic degrees:  an MBA in Management and Administrative Studies (2005) from Indiana University, BS degrees in Organization Management (2003) and Elementary Education (2010), both from Calumet College of St. Joseph, and an AS degree in Computer Information Systems (1988) from DeVry Institute of Technology.

Valedictorian of the Calumet College of St. Joseph Class of 2010, recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Future Educator Award and the Academic Excellence Award in Organization Management (2003), are among her scholastic achievement honors.  She is a lifetime member of the International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma.

Quanica is the author of the children’s book, Suit Shoes (2004). Quanica is also a licensed real estate broker, wife, and mother of two children.

Quanica has persevered through many health challenges and continues to reach for her dreams.  She is very active in the church, and a true agent for change.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking, watching professional football, and playing Scrabble.

Lori Smith, LCSW is the Director of Victim Witness Assistance Unit of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where she serves a wide range of crime victims including homicide survivors and their families.  Under Lori’s leadership, the Victim Witness Unit has revamped the Family and Friends Support Network, offering three grief groups for the loved ones of homicide victims.

Prior to serving as the Director of the Victim Witness Unit, Lori worked in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Sexual Assault Unit, where she specialized in work with child victims of sexual assault.  Lori has also worked with abused and neglected children through LaRabida Children’s Hospital and Research Center and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northwest Cook County.

In her leisure, Lori enjoys gardening, is active in her church, and is an avid reader.  She is married and has two teenaged children.

John Skopick is the Agent/owner of The John Skopick State Farm Agency in Lemont. John’s Agency has won numerous State Farm awards for customer service and production. His agency is regarded as one of the top Agency’s in the State Farm system and has been award the Chairman’s Circle trophy. John is a member of The Million Dollar Round Table. The Million Dollar Round Table Founded in 1927, is The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, it is a global, independent association of more than 43,000 of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 67 countries. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business.

John is a former President of the Mokena Chamber of Commerce and a current active member of the Lemont Chamber of Commerce.

John is a decorated United States Marine Corps Veteran who served in combat operations as a heavy machine gunner during Operation Desert Storm.

John and Lisa Skopick have 3 Children: Alyssa 17, Danielle 16, and Anthony 9. As a family, they are active in hockey, golf and travelling. In John’s leisure time, he enjoys spending time with his family, giving back to the community, and traveling.

Jody is the former chairman of ArrowStream, a third-party logistics and SaaS provider founded by her late husband Steve in 2000. In July 2014, the unthinkable happened when her husband was shot at work by a disgruntled employee. Jody stepped in and led ArrowStream on a path to sustainable profitability through her broad knowledge of its operation, fiscal management, and product strategy, combined with her strong will and ability to engage others. She also led the one-year process culminating in the sale of ArrowStream to a private equity firm.

Before joining ArrowStream, Jody worked for Smith, Bucklin & Associates, serving as executive director for two of its association clients. Previously, she held sales-related positions with AT&T Business Communications Services.

Jody experienced first-hand the far-reaching effects workplace violence has had on her three daughters, the ArrowStream employees, and her community at large. Through blogging, speaking, and sharing her story, she is finding her voice around workplace violence issues and raising awareness to initiate conversations.

Jody holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago.

Jody is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) Mid-America Chapter and The University of Chicago Women’s Board, is a mentor for Menttium, and provides guidance for entrepreneurship students at the University of Chicago and Northwestern’s Founder Center.

Jody and her three daughters live in LaGrange, IL.