Board of Directors
Our board represents a cross-section of our community, provides expertise, and has a passion for our organization and those we serve. Each member works hard to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization and oversees that the funds raised directly affect those in need.
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June D. Barnard
June is the curator of our curiosity mission, focusing the Foundation’s efforts on cultivating curiosity from the earliest education levels upwards. As an integral part of the Foundation from its inception in 2009, she became President & CEO of the board in 2014 and continued to evolve the Foundation’s mission and strategy. She is also a member of the Chicago Leadership Council for the Mayo Clinic.
As part of the Foundation’s redefined mission, she is embarking on new strategic partnerships, expanding and rebranding the Foundation. She provides the vision, direction, inspiration, and motivation, steering Driskill’s long-term success.
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Michele Marko
Michele Marko grew up on the south shore of Long Island, NY. She received her Masters leading to stints as chief clinical dietitian for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; associate director of clinical nutrition and director of the dietetic internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital; instructor at Yale University; and regional vice president in the Midwest for the Compass Group, a position that entailed overseeing more than 1,000 food and nutrition employees in multiple states.
In 2006 Michele and her husband relocated to Naperville IL where one of her many roles is as a SCORE Mentor, NNNC Treasurer, and HOA Board member, which includes editing the neighborhood newsletter. Michele is committed to the study of curiosity and creativity.
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Michael Kennedy, Ph.D.
Michael Kennedy is a research professor of Neurobiology at Northwestern University and the founding director of Science in Society, the university’s research center for science education and public engagement. The center partners with urban K-12 teachers, administrators, and youth development agencies to create high-quality, long-term, impactful science learning opportunities for underserved youth.
Mike received his Ph.D. from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. -
India Alexis Ehioba, MNA,CFRE
Ms. Ehioba is the CEO of Shore Community Services as well as an Adjunct Professor teaching Fundraising Management at North Park University where she also serves on the advisory board for North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management. And, she is active in the fundraising community as 2nd Vice President of Suburban Chicago Planned Giving Council (SCPGC) as well as an active member of the Chicago Council of Planned Giving and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is also a well-known speaker, trainer, and presenter of fundraising and philanthropy presenting to community and professional audiences throughout Illinois and groups as large as 400 receiving the highest ratings and accolades.
India holds the highest academic credentials with a BA in Organizational Communications from The Ohio State University and a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University as well as graduate certificates in Nonprofit Governance and Fundraising Management. Additionally, she holds the highly regarded Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation and currently serves on the Expansion Committee of CFRE International as well as an official Ambassador
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Mikel S.Briggs
Mike Briggs has over 30 years of experience as President/COO operating and growing three domestic privately-held manufacturing businesses. Currently, he serves as the President/CEO of Little Friends, who supports the needs of 800 clients and families dealing with developmental disabilities and autism. His experience with nonprofit and educational boards includes serving as past Chairman of the Board for Millikin University. Mike's willingness to share and put to work areas of his expertise continues to inspire, motivate, and help change the lives of many.