People

Board of Directors

	Rev. Timothy Biel, Jr. (President) is the pastor of Central UMC in Skokie. He previously served at Homewood: St. Andrew (2014-2018); Evergreen Park: First UMC (2008-2014); and Cary UMC (2003-2008). He specializes in Spiritual Formation and Congregation Development. Tim has a heart for all those seeking peace and divine grace in this life.
	Lillye Hart (Secretary) is a member of Wesley UMC in Chicago where she is a servant leader on several committees and serves as the church Treasurer. One of her passions is the healthy development of children during their early years and spiritual guidance and growth that instills foundational values for a brighter future.
	Jacki Bogolia (Treasurer) is the Director of Community and Family Ministries at Trinity UMC Mt. Prospect and a member of First UMC Elmhurst. Her work focuses on building bridges of relational connection with neighbors, and strengthening Trinity’s ministries with children and families. Jacki has a UM Certification in Christian Education.
	Pastor Robert E. Biekman (President ex-officio) currently serves as Director for Evangelical Mission and Associate to the Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is a Public Theologian connecting God’s people at the intersection of faith and justice.
	LaTonia Booth-Johnson (MYSI rep) is the outreach coordinator for MYSI Corporation. She is an advocate for seniors and youth within MYSI. She joined the UVC board back in 2017 and is a pillar in the surrounding communities.
	Kathy Brock is a member of Maple Park UMC in Chicago where she serves as co-lay leader and secretary of the Board of Trustees. She also serves on the Northern Illinois Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
	Chamus Burnside-Savazzini currently serves as the Director of Children’s Faith Formation at Grace UMC in Naperville. She also served as a Board member with Christians Engaged in Faith Formation (CEF). She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Children and Family Ministries at Indiana Wesleyan Theological Seminary,
	Walton Davis, Jr. is a member of Gorham UMC in Chicago where he is chair of the Board of Trustees, Lay Leader and Lay Member to Annual Conference. He also serves the church on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and Board of Trustees as well as Vice-President of Chicago Black Methodists for Church Renewal.
	Catherine Inserra (Kids Above All rep) is the Manager of Faith and Community Relations with Kids Above All (formerly ChildServ). In that role she develops partnerships with local churches, groups and schools to support Kids Above All’s services for children, youth and families. Catherine was consecrated a Deaconess in 2018 by United Methodist Women and subsequently commissioned in Northern Illinois Conference.
	Dottie Priddy (United Methodist Women rep) is a member of Channahon UMC where she is a servant leader. She most recently added Christian yoga instructor to her activities, many of which center around women, children and youth.
	Rev. Grant Swanson is the Recruitment Coordinator at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and serves as a Deacon at Urban Village Church: Wicker Park. Grant spent four years teaching at St Francis Indian School on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and one year teaching at the Chicago Jesuit Academy in Chicago.
	Diane Strzelecki (Communications Coordinator) is a Communications Content Manager for Wespath Benefits and Investments. She previously served as Communications Specialist for the NIC and as a freelance communicator for nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about building awareness for organizations that empower people and communities to achieve their full potential.
	Beverly Dukes (Policy Coordinator) is currently the lead pastor of East Side UMC in Chicago. Beverly has extensive experience working in public service, particularly serving marginalized communities and the child welfare sector. She has worked diligently with children in the care of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and brings much experience engaging policies effecting children and families.