We are pleased to announce the appointment of 10 new committee members. Greg Bockheim has joined the Arts DuPage Advisory Committee, Mike Frigo the Professional Advisor Committee, Denice Gierach the Bylaws Committee, Shannon Greene Robb the Arts DuPage Advisory Committee, Tracy Katschke-Goss the NGI Steering Committee, Claudie Phillips the Grant Committee, Julie Sladewski the Glen Ellyn Fund Committee, Val Stewart the Arts DuPage Advisory Committee, Tweed Thornton the Arts DuPage Advisory Committee, and Russell Zimmerman the NGI Steering Committee. 

“Our volunteer leaders tirelessly give their time and talent to advance our mission of being DuPage County’s champion for philanthropy,” said Mike Sitrick, DuPage Foundation president & CEO. “Each volunteer brings a unique viewpoint to our work and we have found tremendous value in having such a diverse group investing in the future of our community.” 

Please join us in welcoming these new committee members: 

• Greg Bockheim, Arts DuPage Advisory Committee (Wheaton), is a lifelong supporter of the arts and 20-year veteran of zoological, environmental, and animal welfare efforts. He was recently named director of Cosley Zoo, after 18 years as executive director of Virginia Zoological Park. His two college-aged daughters followed in his mother’s artistic footsteps, and he enjoys watching them excel in sculpture, drawing, and painting. 

• Mike Frigo, Vice Chair, Professional Advisor Committee (Naperville) is a CPA with Adducci Vega Financial Group. He recently retired from a nearly 30-year career in leadership with Mayslake Village, a nonprofit operating low-income housing for seniors. He holds specialty certifications in finance and gerontology, and since 2008 has served as an adjunct professor of nonprofit financial administration at DePaul University, his alma mater. 

• Denice Gierach, Bylaws Committee (Aurora) has been representing family owned and privately held companies in business and estate planning concerns for more than 30 years, most recently as the founder of Gierach Law Firm. Denice is a DuPage Foundation Trustee Emerita and former Board Chair, having served on our Board from 2011-2019. 

• Shannon Greene Robb, Arts DuPage Advisory Committee (Naperville), has been producing community-building experiences in and around DuPage County through her companies, Arranmore Events and ArranmoreArts, for more than 20 years. She has taken an active role in shaping the arts and cultural landscape in Naperville, including as a former SECA Commissioner and the founder of ArtForum Naperville: Partnership for Public Arts.   

• Tracy Katschke-Goss, NGI Steering Committee (Bartlett) is a lifelong DuPage resident, youth minister, and volunteer. Tracy is currently the Events & Stewardships Manager at Loaves & Fishes Community Services. She and her husband, Matt, enjoy spending time with their many nieces and nephews and cheering on her beloved Milwaukee Brewers. 

• Claudie Phillips, Grant Committee (Willow Springs) is a published author, mentor and veteran advisor to the food service industry as the founder of The ICONS Foundation. She has worked with numerous school districts to revamp their food service programs for more efficient and effective operations and is consistently recognized as a valuable educator. She is a member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast Executive Committee. 

• Julie Sladewski, Glen Ellyn Fund Committee (Wheaton) and her husband raised their family in Glen Ellyn. She managed sales and marketing and served as a consultant for Johnson Controls in the U.S. and abroad for 20 years. She now provides financial advising for private companies. Julie is an active member of the Glenbard West Nation Parent Group. 

• Val Stewart, Arts DuPage Advisory Committee (Elmhurst) In addition to her previous career in communications, marketing and public relations, Val is an active community volunteer for several organizations, including the Elmhurst History Museum, Chamber of Commerce, Public Arts Commission, Youth Commission and more. She is an avid supporter of the arts in DuPage County and especially enjoys music and dance performances. 

• Tweed Thornton, Arts DuPage Advisory Committee (Elmhurst), supports nonprofits through community and media outreach via Four Star Initiatives (FSI), which he founded in 2017. He is a lifelong supporter of community impact, culture, and the arts, having graduated from The Theatre School at DePaul University, and later serving as executive director of the City Club of Chicago, and a regular collaborator of Collaboration Theatre Company. He is a frequent speaker, panel organizer, and facilitator. 

• Russell Zimmerman, NGI Steering Committee (Wheaton) specializes in trusts and estates as a director in the wealth transfer and estate planning practice group at Huck Bouma. He has been an active member of NGI, and volunteers his time throughout the DuPage community. He enjoys playing ice hockey, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Laura, and two daughters. 

These dedicated community members bring a wealth of professional expertise and a deep commitment to community service. Their leadership will help drive our mission forward and leave a lasting impact across DuPage County.