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Board of Directors

The members of our governing board are passionate about the mission of OHU and have a deep desire to see the families, youth and communities we serve succeed and grow. Our board of directors oversees our financial growth, programmatic, and fundraising activities. Their years of experience across multiple business sectors and their unique life experiences contribute to our success.

CJ Hoffman

Christopher Hoffman

Chair

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

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Jerry Haralson

Jerry Haralson

Vice Chair

The Haralson Group

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dave-young

Dave Young

Secretary

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Garrett Johnson

Garrett Johnson

Treasurer

BMO Wealth Management US

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Anthony Austin

Anthony Austin

Member

Danimer Scientific

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Courtney Brooke

Member

Courtney Brooke Coaching

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Jamal Edwards

Member

Hilgers Graben PLLC

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Paul Guilianelli

Member

Academy for Global Citizenship

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Patrick Kingston

Patrick Kingston

Member

Tyson Foods

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Scott Moeller

Scott Moeller

Member

GI Supply, Inc

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Janelle Okerenimkpe

Janelle Okerenimkpe

Member

Phoebe A. Hearst Fine Arts Magnet School

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Dana Pelletier

Member

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Emily Selbe

Member

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Steve P. Sorenson

Steven P. Sorenson

Member

Allstate Insurance

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Life Directors

The Board of Directors appoint distinguished former members as Life Directors, recognizing their exemplary service. Life Directors, having held leadership roles and made significant contributions, serve in an advisory capacity for OHU throughout their lifetime.

  • Bill Beck, Life Director, Chair Emeritus
  • Theresa Dear, Life Director, Chair Emeritus
  • Paul Earle, Life Director
  • Ermit L. Finch, Life Director
  • Clarke Robinson, Life Director, Chair Emeritus
  • Toni Sandor Smith, Life Director, Chair Emeritus
  • Edgar Santiago, Life Director, Chair Emeritus
  • RJ Young, Life Director, Chair Emeritus
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CJ Hoffman

Christopher Hoffman

Christopher Hoffman of Chicago served as assurance partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (retired), serving clients in the greater Chicago market and across the Midwest. He has over 30 years of experience in public accounting and serving clients in a variety of industries. Chris has served as audit partner on multi-location private companies, private equity portfolio companies, large public and private universities, multi-hospital systems and family-owned businesses. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Iowa where he currently serves on the Tippie College of Business Advisory Board.

Jerry Haralson

Jerry Haralson

After retirement from a 35-year career of program director and presidencies in the YMCA movement, Jerry Haralson established The Haralson Group, which assists YMCAs and other non-profit organizations with strategic planning and fundraising, of which he currently is the President. Jerry is a member of NAYDO and has led numerous workshops on fundraising and strategic development plans. Because of his experience as CEO of one of the largest YMCAs in the country, Jerry relates well to CEOs, key volunteers and all levels of YMCA fundraising professionals. Therefore, he is a sought-after motivational speaker and seminar leader in the area of fundraising, endowment and strategic planning. Jerry is very proud of his family: his wife of 50 years, Susie, and three beautiful daughters, Melissa, Amy and Heather. He and Susie now have seven grandkids who all call him “Big Jer.”

dave-young

Dave Young

Dave Young is a Medical Device Business Consultant. He has served in Finance, Marketing, and General Management roles within the medical device industry throughout his 25-year career. Dave has worked with Cardinal Health, CareFusion, and Becton Dickinson and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for Northfield Medical, a private equity-owned service and repair provider in the surgical equipment market. Currently, Dave consults for the medical consumable product industry while also offering pro bono support to several non-profits in the Chicago area. Dave has been a volunteer and supporter of One Hope United since 2017. He received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Garrett Johnson

Garrett Johnson

Garrett Johnson has served on the One Hope United Finance and Investment committees since 2016. He oversees the Ultra High Net Worth and Alternatives Banking teams at BMO Wealth Management U.S. and is responsible for overseeing the creation, marketing and delivery of the bank’s wealth solutions to private equity firms and individuals across the country. His industry expertise includes private equity structures, fund banking mechanics, fund lending, and a variety of human capital disciplines, including compensation, vesting, tax strategies, and carried interest. Garrett is skilled at strategic planning, business development, and adept at relationship management and various types of private equity management company & general partner co-invest financings. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration-Accounting from Morehouse College.

Anthony Austin

Anthony Austin

Anthony Austin is a Human Resource executive with extensive experience in transforming the HR value proposition through driving trust, innovation and business process improvements linked to business strategies to aid in the achievements of enterprise objectives. He is known for “best in class” organization building, change management, innovative leadership, organization alignment and dramatically upgrading talent at every level of the organization. He is currently working as Chief Human Resource Officer at Danimer Scientific. Anthony holds an undergraduate degree in business management and an MS in labor relations from the University of Oregon. His passion for uniting families begins with his two adopted children.

Courtney Brooke

Courtney Brooke is a life coach who helps people break free from limitations and embrace self-love, empowerment, and growth. Growing up in foster care, Courtney faced challenges that taught her the true meaning of resilience and determination. These early experiences became the foundation of her passion for life and her commitment to helping others achieve their dreams. She uses her journey through the foster care system as a source of inspiration, showing others that it is possible to live boldly and reach one’s full potential regardless of past circumstances.

Prior to becoming a full-time life coach, Courtney worked in marketing, digital marketing and social media. Her branding expertise reshaped businesses through strategic insight and innovative approaches. This background in crafting compelling narratives and engaging audiences enriches her coaching, enabling her to connect deeply and effectively with her clients. She empowers her clients to lead lives filled with joy, purpose, and success, demonstrating that overcoming obstacles is not just possible but can be the catalyst for profound personal achievement.

Jamal Edwards

Jamal Edwards is a nationally recognized lawyer, executive, and certified coach with expertise in governance, litigation, and nonprofit leadership. As a Partner at Hilgers Graben PLLC and former CEO of Howard Brown Health Center, he has led financial turnarounds, high-stakes legal matters, and strategic growth initiatives. His nonprofit experience includes executive roles at the Institute for Population Health and board service for organizations like Common Threads and the National Black Lawyers. Certified in corporate governance (Notre Dame) and nonprofit management (Harvard), Jamal combines legal acumen with crisis leadership and fundraising success. Recognized by Super Lawyers and Crain’s 40 Under 40, Jamal brings strategic vision and operational excellence to governance.

Paul Guilianelli

Paul Guilianelli is a strategic leader and experienced nonprofit administrator with a decades-long background in urban education. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Academy for Global Citizenship in Chicago, Paul oversees finance, HR, and operations for a vibrant K-8th grade public charter school and Head Start early childhood program. His leadership was instrumental in managing the construction of a new $55M sustainability and wellness hub on Chicago’s SW side and guiding the organization’s transition to their home. With a career spanning over two decades, Paul has demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive systemic change and foster organizational growth.

A Harvard College alum with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Paul is also a lifelong learner with interests in music, comedy, and sports. His passion for continuous improvement and his analytical mindset make him a dedicated advocate for educational excellence and community development.

Patrick Kingston

Patrick Kingston

Patrick Kingston was first introduced to One Hope United in 2016, and his passion for the cause drove him to join the Illinois Ambassador Board before being elected to One Hope United’s Board of Directors. Patrick is a Senior Customer Development Leader for Tyson Foods with an extensive background in the CPG and Foodservice industries. He has over 25 years of experience ranging from customer development, sales strategy and planning, innovation and marketing. Patrick holds an MBA and bachelor’s degree from Stetson University. He enjoys staying active in the community, has a passion for Chicago sports and is an avid adventure-seeker.

Scott Moeller

Scott Moeller

Scott Moeller joined One Hope United’s Board in 2008 with a commitment to providing enhanced opportunities to children and families. Throughout his career, he has consistently contributed and served in leadership roles in different areas of the nonprofit community. Beyond nonprofit work, Scott leads the quality and regulatory teams at GI Supply, a medical device firm serving physicians and surgeons in more than 40 countries. He is known for growing and transforming organizations to deliver improved customer satisfaction and brand value by utilizing customer and employee centered business processes. Scott holds an engineering degree, an MBA in Industrial Management with Magna Cum Laude distinction and several professional certifications. In addition to spending time with his wife Becky and two adopted children, Scott enjoys cycling and racing sailboats. 

Janelle Okerenimkpe

Janelle Okerenimkpe

Janelle Okerenimkpe is currently the Principal of Phoebe A. Hearst Fine Arts Magnet School. As a principal, Janelle is committed to ensuring that every child in her school receives a rigorous, high-quality education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Howard University, and a master’s degree in elementary education from Northwestern University. 

Dana Pelletier

Dana Pelletier is a passionate advocate for children in the child welfare system, with a long-standing commitment to One Hope United’s mission. Her involvement began years ago when she supported OHU (then Kids Hope United) through the Annual Kids Fashion Show and Silent Auction, engaging her own children to instill the value of giving back. After a decade-long hiatus, Dana reconnected with OHU by contributing to the Hope Houses initiative and recently hosted a cultivation cocktail reception to introduce new supporters and raise funds for the organization. 

With a 28-year career in hotel sales and marketing, including tenure at The Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables, Dana brings expertise in fundraising, event planning, and community engagement. Her volunteer work with organizations like Children’s Home Society and McLamore Infant Center reflects her lifelong passion for helping vulnerable children thrive. 

Married for 28 years and a mother of two, Dana embodies the spirit of service, driven by personal understanding of hardship and a conviction that “it takes a village” to transform lives. 

“I truly believe that what we invest in children today will create a better tomorrow for everyone.” —Dana Pelletier

Emily Selbe

Emily Selbe is a senior consultant with 25+ years of experience in strategic planning, communications, and nonprofit growth. She has helped organizations like the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and Grand Victoria Foundation expand their impact through data-driven decision-making, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. Her expertise in governance, fundraising, and consensus-building stems from her engagement and leadership at Live Well Lake County, Lake County Health Department, Lake County Community Foundation, and CASA Lake County.

A skilled communicator and strategist, Emily holds a Master’s in Health Communication (Northwestern) and certifications from Cornell. Her background in advocacy, financial management, and board governance makes her a strong asset for mission-driven organizations. Emily served as a One Hope United board member for three terms between 2004 and 2019. Since then her enthusiasm and commitment to serving youth and families has grown.

Steve P. Sorenson

Steven P. Sorenson

Steven P. Sorenson is executive vice president, Corporate Business Transformation. Since joining Allstate in 2000, Steven has held key leadership roles in a variety of areas throughout the organization. He served as a product senior vice president with product management responsibilities for three of the company’s fourteen regional operations. In 2002, he was given responsibility for co-leading the entire field operation. In 2007, Steven was promoted to executive vice president, Protection Distribution, and joined the Allstate senior leadership team. He took on the role of executive vice president, Product Operations, in 2008. In 2017, he stepped into the role of executive vice president, Allstate Brand Operations, where he was responsible for driving Allstate’s strategy to provide outstanding customer and agency service and support across the U.S. and Canada. He took on the role of executive vice president, Corporate Business Transformation, in December 2019. 

Prior to joining Allstate, Steven was a general manager at Progressive Insurance Company with responsibility for several Midwestern states. He also was an engagement manager at McKinsey & Company, working in their Chicago, Houston and London offices.

A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Steven holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Strategy from the University of Chicago and a BA in Economics from Harvard University. Steven also serves on the boards of the Foglia YMCA in Lake Zurich, Illinois and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. He and his wife, Geri, have six children and live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.