 | Siobhan AllenSiobhan Allen is a dedicated educational leader, currently serving as the Dean of Students at Beacon Academy in Evanston, Illinois. With over 15 years of experience in independent schools in the Chicagoland area, Siobhan has demonstrated a commitment to student development and well-being. In her role as Dean of Students, Siobhan provides opportunities for students to explore and develop their leadership and service talents. She collaborates with students on projects and causes that ignite their interests, encouraging them to think critically and empathetically about the world beyond themselves. In promoting inclusive and dynamic learning environments, Siobhan has presented both nationally and internationally on topics including nurturing progressive school cultures and maintaining joyful learning communities. Siobhan holds degrees from St. Olaf College and Northwestern University. |
 | Matt BrejchaMatt Brejcha is an advisor to a financial sponsor investing in the MedTech space. He was Senior Vice President of the Flexibles Division of Spectrum Plastics Group, which was acquired by DuPont de Nemours, Inc., in 2023. In his seventeen-year tenure at Spectrum, he served in commercial, strategy and finance leadership roles. Matt received his B.A. in Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame. He is also a proud former Baker student and parent. |
 | Nina CharnotskaiaNina is a Program Management Director at McDonald’s Corporate, leading strategic programs and business alignment for the burger giant. Over the last 20 years, she’s leveraged a passion for human experience to build a career at the intersection of human-centered design and organizational transformation. Her work has spanned from leading large urban planning and architectural design efforts, to working with global organizations to develop and implement new operational practices and workplace experiences. Nina holds a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Design and Architecture from University of Colorado, Boulder. She now lives in Evanston, with her wife Yu-Fong and son Theo. |
 | Kirsten EverspaughKirsten has spent the better part of three decades in development, leading teams and working with organizations on comprehensive fundraising strategies. Prior to starting her own consulting endeavor, she managed annual giving for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and led the Wisconsin School of Business development team. As part of a fundraising-focused agency in Los Angeles, Kirsten worked with nonprofits across the country on their strategic fundraising plans and execution, including Lurie Children’s (during Children’s Memorial transition), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and dozens of regional organizations focused on homeless and underserved populations. Kirsten is a passionate traveler, advocate for higher education and proud Wolverine, with her BA from the University of Michigan and her MBA from Pepperdine University. She lives in Evanston with her husband, Adam, teenagers, Zoe & Finn (Baker 8th grader), and a medley of furballs. . |
 | Ed JaffeEd Jaffe is an experienced sales and corporate strategy professional. An empathy-driven leader, he defines success by his impact on others — ensuring they feel seen and supported so they can do their best work. A Director at American Express, Ed leads a team of client managers who support large merchants across the Midwest. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from UMass and a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University, where he also served on the faculty. Outside of work, Ed plays bass for the indie rock band Fascinator, performing original songs at shows that often start too late for students (and maybe even parents) to attend. |
 | Ken PowersKen Powers is the President of Titobi Ventures (TVI) a firm that invests in small businesses and focuses on unlocking value through commercial excellence and operational improvement. Prior to founding TVI, Ken was responsible for the development and commercialization of infusion pump technology at Baxter and led the integration efforts for several clinical software company acquisitions. He has more than 15 years of experience in the Healthcare and Industrial sectors. Through his career Ken has advanced through a series of roles in general management, global finance, and commercial operations. Ken earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Strategy from the University of Michigan. He lives in Evanston with his wife Allison and two kids, Sydney and Julian who all keep him quite busy and entertained. |
 | Kim Ptak, EdDKim currently serves as the Director of Operations for Glenbrook High School District 225. In this role, Kim leads all financial and facilities efforts, including budgeting, bidding, risk management, strategic planning, construction, accounts payable, and food and transportation services. Prior to employment at Glenbrook, Kim worked at Arthur Andersen as the Director of Finance and Operations. Kim has her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University. |
 | Rhiannon E. SchmiegRhiannon spent 25 years practicing law in the areas of employment, litigation, and compliance, with 15 of those years serving as in-house counsel in the financial services industry and industrial sectors. As a lawyer, Rhiannon focused on problem-solving and identifying creative and practical, business-oriented solutions. She managed complex litigation and class actions, advised human resources regarding sensitive employee relations issues, managed teams, and led operational excellence efforts in legal departments. During her legal career, Rhiannon provided pro bono services to a non-profit organization supporting the homeless for 10 years and took a break from legal practice in order to teach at a private high school in Mexico. Rhiannon received a B.S. from Stanford University and her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. Rhiannon looks forward to her daughter graduating with the Baker Class of 2022-23. |
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