Board of Directors
Guiding with Vision and Dedication
The Board of Directors provides leadership, oversight, and strategic guidance to support our mission, ensuring we continue to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state.
The Special Olympics Illinois Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the organization with strategic leadership, governance, and support. Board members are dedicated to ensuring the long-term success of our mission by providing oversight on policies, financial stewardship, and organizational goals. They actively participate in Board meetings, committees, and fundraising efforts; leveraging their expertise and networks to drive the organization’s impact.
Board members are expected to contribute their time and resources by attending events, supporting key initiatives, and offering thought leadership to advance our mission. Their commitment ensures that Special Olympics Illinois can continue empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through inclusive sports, health, and leadership programs across the state.
OFFICERS
Kathy Schniedwind
Chair
Illinois State University
Retired
Kristin Achterhof
Vice Chair
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Partner & Co-Chair, Intellectual Property Litigation Practice
Brook Klawitter
Immediate Past Chair
Chair, Governance and Membership Committee
USG Corporation
Sr. Director, Finance Shared Services & Transformation
James Pieper
Treasurer
Chair, Finance & Business Services Committee
Sphera
Chief Financial Officer
Taylor Sweeting
Co-Secretary
Athlete Leader
Pat Hoey
Co-Secretary
Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison
Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Rob Johnson
Chair, Marketing & Communications Committee
Rob Johnson Communications
President
Scott Paddock
Chair, Development Committee
Silver Cross Hospital & Medical Center
Senior Vice President of External Affairs
Zack Reynolds
Chair, Program Services Committee
Diversified Search Group
Managing Director
Randy Schaab
Chair, Audit Committee
State Farm
Retired
Tom Thompson
Chair, Investment Committee
Alliance Partners LLC/BancAlliance
Regional Director
DIRECTORS
Craig Anderson
Illinois High School Association
Executive Director
Bill Asbury
Roland Machinery
Heavy Equipment Technician
Eric Benderoff
Benderoff Communciations
Principal
Cissie Citardi
William Blair & Co., LLC
General Counsel
Jon Caforio
RSM Principal
Sustainability Leader, Consulting
Dr. Hector Contreras
Board Member
Colleen Costello
St. James Catholic School
Cafeteria Helper
Tom Cox
McCarthy, Duffy LLP
Partner
William Doerfler
Knights of Columbus
Retired
Kristen Duda
Worley
Vice President, Portfolios & Growth
Adam Garrett
Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7
Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Student Services
Alexander Huegen
Jill Mehrberg
Board Member
Scott Morgan
Health Care Services Corporation
DSVP, Chief IT Delivery & Digital Officer
Tom Murray
Sargent & Lundy
Retired
Lorelie Parolin
McDonald's Corporation
Dean of Hamburger University
Robert Reiter
Chicago Federation of Labor
President
Gianna Rigoni
Merk & Co.
Associate Vice President, Health Systems, US Medical Affairs,
Eileen Sethna
Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC
Partner & Chair Financial Services and Restructuring
Bernita Thigpen
KPMG LLP
Tax Managing Director
Tim Ryan
Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America
Tri-Fund Field Coordinator
Heidi Weber
Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund
President & CEO
Nancy Wiora
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Retired
Neil Wisker
Mortenson
Sr. Project Manager