Guaranteeing Access to Excellence for All
With more than 25 years of professional fundraising experience, Shannon Alexander Farrar launched the fundraising consulting firm the Alexander Ross Group in 2011. Shannon is an Adjunct Faculty at Loyola University’s Baumhart Center and has served as a guest lecturer at Kellogg’s Center for Nonprofit Management on the topic of engaging Board members in fundraising. Shannon and her husband, Grant, live in Evanston and are proud Wildkit parents to Alexa, ’26.
Sara Raedle Brenner, ETHS ’76, a lifelong Evanstonian, is one of seven children who attended ETHS and the daughter of graduates of the classes of ’47 and ’48. She and her husband Bob are the parents of three ETHS grads: Matthew ’06, Emily ’07 and Tommy ’10. She is a trained physical therapist but has spent the past 25 years working endless hours as an active volunteer for the Woman’s Club of Evanston, North End Mothers’ Club, Books on Wheels, ETHS Booster Club, PTSA Lincolnwood & Haven, and is a longtime volunteer fluency tutor for D65.
Caitlin Brown, is an experienced telecommunications professional currently serving as the Signature Client Vice-President in the AT&T Global Business Group. Caitlin leads a team of talented sales professionals who manage AT&T’s largest US–based multi-national clients in the Midwest. Caitlin and her husband James are the parents of two ETHS alums (’17 and ’21).
ETHS ’76, Scott Clarke retired as the Assistant Director of Banking for the State of Illinois. He served at the State’s Division of Banking for 35 years. Scott is a longtime volunteer for the American Red Cross and is a member of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force (ITTF). Scott is a graduate of Western Illinois University where he earned his degree in Political Science/Public Administration. In May 2022, Scott was elected as a member of the Illinois Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
Chasity Cooper, ETHS ’07, is a communications strategist and freelance journalist who writes about wine, tech, media and culture. Her writing has been published in the likes of Essence Magazine, Vinepair, ZORA, ThePlug Daily, Wine Enthusiast and more. One of her many passions is wine, and she’s is currently studying to obtain her WSET Level 2 and Level 3 Awards in Wines. When she isn’t writing for her blog #WineWithChas, she enjoys traveling, reading and cooking in her spare time. Chasity is a proud graduate of Syracuse University.
As an ETHS graduate, Robert Gill ’10 knows the impact of the Wildkit experience. Robert now works as a camera operator, editor and production assistant in the broadcast media industry. Robert has worked with Northwestern University, NBC Sports Chicago and the Big 10 network since graduating from Illinois Media School. He has also shared his experience to motivate ETHS students to pursue a career in media.
Sarah Ghantous was born in Evanston and raised in Wilmette. Currently an Evanston resident, she and her husband Brett have raised three children (ETHS ’16, ’17, ’22). After spending many years in the event planning and sales industries, she is now dedicating her time to volunteering and working for non-profits, and is the current Executive Director at Girls Play Sports. She has served on several boards in the community and has actively participated in the PTA at her children’s schools.
Patrick Hughes, Jr., ETHS ’86, and his wife Kathy Tisdahl ’87 are lifelong residents of Evanston and parents of Riley ’17 and Patrick ’22. Patrick is the founder and President/CEO of Inclusion Solutions, assisting businesses and governments to become more welcoming and accessible for people with disabilities. He is the founder of Evanston Mash-up and has been involved in creating the Evanston West End Business Association. Other boards he has served on include Results.org, Chamber of Commerce and Equip for Equality.
Jeanne Husain, Secretary, and her husband David are the parents of two Wildkit alums, Zach ’13 and Patrick ’10. Jeanne has been a career coach at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management since 2005, in a career that spans 35+ years in higher education administration and financial services. Her passion for empowering individuals toward developing productive careers carries into her community involvement, including her work as a math tutor and program coordinator at Haven Middle School, as a career coach for at-risk young adults at Curt’s Café, and in previous leadership roles related to academic support and athletics at ETHS.
Rick Kolsky, Past Chair, spent the past four decades as a strategy consultant to companies on six continents, an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a faculty partner for Mach49, the growth incubator for the Global 1000. Rick coached in FAAM for 25 years and launched a summer sports and enrichment program in Evanston, EatPlayLearn, that helps youth develop life skills through team sports. He and his wife Anne are the parents of two ETHS alums (Matt, ’99 and Emma, ’04)
Henry Latimer is a long time Evanston resident and along with his wife, Laurel Wiss Latimer (’81), has two proud ETHS graduates (’13 and ’15). Henry is currently serving as a Managing Director at Merrill Lynch and is a 20 plus year industry veteran. Henry has focused his career on enabling clients to pursue their financial goals and will brings his expertise to the areas of finance and fundraising on the board.
Casey Lewis Varela, Chairperson, ETHS ’92, is a native Evanstonian and currently serves as Vice President of the Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation. Prior to her current role, she worked and volunteered for various youth development and affordable housing organizations such as Y.O.U., the McGaw YMCA, and Heartland Alliance. She is passionate about education and equity issues and increasing the impact of the organizations with which she is involved. She and her husband George are the parents of two current Wildkits (’23 and ’25).
Kevin Mack, ETHS ’95, is an Evanston/Skokie native with a deep connection to ETHS and passion for education, equity and student opportunity. Kevin has volunteered his time with Y.O.U. and recently served as the President of the ETHS Alumni Association. Kevin is a real estate broker with @properties, based in Evanston, and has been serving the Chicagoland area since 2009.
Larry Mages ’61 is a retired attorney and real estate developer. He spent most of his legal career as a partner at Bell, Boyd & Lloyd (now, K&L Gates) where he served on the Executive Committee and as Chair of the Real Estate Practice Group. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. He is a Docent at the Chicago Architecture Center, leading architecture walking tours in downtown Chicago. Larry was raised in Chicago and is part of the last class of commuter students to attend ETHS. He played on ETHS’ first soccer team (becoming its first First Team All-State player) and in college. He referees high school and club games. His grandchildren live in Evanston and will be members of the Classes of 2024 and 2027.
Alyson Miller, Treasurer, ETHS ’97, is the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Prior to the CCSAO, Alyson spent 12 years in the private sector. She is an active volunteer in various organizations, including the Fellowship of African American Men, and has served on the boards of the Childcare Network of Evanston and Girls in the Game NFP. During her time at ETHS, Alyson was the Captain of the girls’ basketball team, received 12 Varsity Letters, and has been inducted into the ETHS Hall of Fame.
Jim Ossyra, ETHS ’74, Alumni Association Representative, is a partner with Daspin & Aument LLP, focusing on litigation and dispute resolution. He previously served as ETHS Foundation Board president and is a proud parent to three ETHS alumni.
Dr. Malika Viltz-Emerson, ETHS ’92, is Microsoft’s Human Resources Digital Transformation & Change Management Director. She has served on the WILD for ETHS benefit, Foundation 65, and Warren Cherry Scholarship committees and as a Y.O.U. Community council member. She is passionate about inclusive education with an always learning mentality, providing design thinking and thought leadership to support the community. Malika and her family live in Evanston. Her LinkedIn Profile can be found here: Dr. Malika Viltz-Emerson | LinkedIn.
Julie Weiler and her husband are parents to past, present, and future Wildkits (’20, ’22, ’25 and ’28). A longtime Evanston resident, Julie previously served as president of the King Arts PTA and has been involved with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Ron Whitmore, ’80, is an educator with over 35 years of experience in both suburban and urban school districts. Ron received his degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, received a Master of Education degree from National Louis University, his General Administrative Endorsement from Loyola University and his Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Superintendent Certification from Argosy University. Ron began his teaching career in Evanston’s District 65. In 1999, Ron began his administrative career, for Chicago Public Schools. Ron is a current resident of Evanston, and co-creator of Evanston Rules, a podcast that discusses equity action and inclusion in Evanston. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a proud father of three and grandfather of one.
Rodney Williams, ETHS ’79, is the President/CEO of Belvedere Vodka. In addition to his work, he is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and Board Director of Worldwide Effies (NY). Rodney lives in New York with his wife, Aisha, and their two children.