Meet the people behind Chicago Run's success.
It takes an energetic group to inspire Chicago's children to run! Get to know the leaders of Chicago Run:STAFF
Alicia Gonzalez
Executive Director Alicia grew up in both Chicago (Pilsen and Little Italy neighborhoods) and Mexico. She attended Brown University and upon graduation lived in Boston where she worked as a Program Director for youth at the Hispanic Office of Planning and Evaluation (H.O.P.E.), a nonprofit that focuses on education, health, and policy for Latinos. She returned to Chicago in 2002 and worked at both the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and the Little Village Community Development Corporation as the New Communities Program Organizer. She left nonprofit for a few years to head up the Hispanic Community Development at a local Chicago Bank before returning to education, program development, and fundraising for Chicago Run. She was the first staff member with Chicago Run and has been with the organization since it's launch in 2008. She serves on the Board of Pros Arts Studio, the Enlace Legacy Board, and is the Chicago Area Chair for the Brown Alumni Service Committee. Alicia is a recipient of the "35 Under 35 Chicago Leadership" Award from the Community Renewal Society and the "2009 Emerging Health Leader" from the Health and Medicine Policy Research Group. In June 2010, Alicia was selected to be a Fellow in the 2011 Leadership Greater Chicago Class. An avid runner herself, Alicia has completed seven marathons since 2004, including two Boston Marathons. Alicia lives in Logan Square and in her spare time enjoys yoga, hiking, art, and politics.
Alex Landberg
Events Manager Running Mates Program Manager
Alex grew up in Northern California. He graduated with a degree in marketing from California State University, Chico, where he also ran track. After graduation, Alex worked in the special events department at Major League Soccer in New York City, but it was his passion for coaching that lead him to a career in sports-based youth development. Most recently, Alex was in charge of running the middle school soccer program for America SCORES New England in Boston, MA. Alex lives in Lakeview, and in his spare time can be found either watching or playing soccer, or taking his truck on road trips across the country.
Amy Witt
Development Manager
Amy grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and attended the University of Michigan. She graduated in 2007 with a double major in psychology and sociology and is also certified in intergroup relations and facilitation. Upon graduating, Amy joined Teach for America, a national non-profit that works to close the academic achievement gap. She taught fifth grade in the Bronx, New York and was a grade leader, student council sponsor and a member of the curriculum mapping team at her school. She loved engaging in athletics with her students and co-coached a football and dodgeball club during her two years there. While in New York, she earned her Masters in Teaching. Amy currently serves on the board of Repair the World and is a Starting Bloc Fellow. She moved back to Chicago in the summer of 2009 and has been working with Chicago Run in mulitple roles including program development and fundraising. She loves sports and specifically enjoys cheering on the Cubs, Bears, Bulls and University of Michigan football!
Ricardo Hernandez
Chicago Runners Program Manager
Ricardo grew up in Northwest Indiana and earned his bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Bloomington. Upon graduating, Ricardo served as an educator and organizer for 16 months in South America and Africa. While in Malawi, Africa, he organized medical assistance for children with HIV and malaria, developed outdoor athletic facilities, and pioneered a running club for young Malawians who would run barefoot. Ricardo is proud to say that he still helps and maintains valuable relationships with the communities he has served abroad. He has been an avid runner since high school and has run competitively and leisurely in eight different countries, his favorite being the Human Race in Quito, Ecuador. When he is not shouting, “Go Bears!” you can catch him exploring new, healthy foods and “attempting” to dance to the likes of Orquestra Guayacan or Frank Reyes. He lives in Chicago and is ready to rock and/or roll with our future athletes!
David Koller
Program Coordinator
David grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated with a degree in International Studies and Art from the University of Denver. While in Colorado he developed a strong interest in public health not only from the state’s huge access to outdoor sports, but also through his work on campus co-coordinating his university’s peer health education program. Additionally, David has a passion for global health and has done some volunteer work while studying for two semesters in both Argentina and Peru. Upon graduation, David made the big move to Chicago to serve a year with AmeriCorps as a health educator on the city’s west side at a Federally Qualified Health Center. In this role David worked to address the health needs of the community, which included the implementation of a summer produce market in Austin to increase the neighborhood’s access to fresh whole foods and nutrition information. David lives in Logan Square and can be found running the boulevards, browsing the local farmer’s market, planning his next backpacking trip or just simply making art in his free time.
Jessica Vargas
Spring Intern
Jessica is an Accounting and Finance Major at DePaul University and is on the Dean's List. She grew up on the southside of Chicago and has always been involved with community service. During her sophomore year at DePaul, she went on a study abroad trip to Germany and Austria. While abroad she learned the importance of communication and ways in which to embrace different cultures. The importance of helping other people has always been a part of her life. In high school, she adopted a primary school in Jamaica and began raising funds to improve their learning environment. Providing adequate health and education to the students was her main goal. Jessica enjoys helping Chicago Run because she feels that she is continuing to help students, the only difference is that these students live in the same city that she does! She also enjoys sports like soccer and swimming, and during her leisure time she enjoys hanging out with friends and family.
SCHOOL SITE COORDINATORS
Our Site Coordinators are the primary contacts at our schools. They are the teachers who facilitate the program and ensure its efficiency at each location. Chicago Run Site Coordinators come from all walks of life and are deeply invested in creating a happy and healthy school environment for our students through the Chicago Run program.
Adam Tomkow, Andrew Petigo, Ivan Delgado, Haley Underwood, Ashley Greb, Debbie Dickert, Stephanie Hayes, Eric Miller, Enrique Fernandez, Nancy Montoya, Susan Rish, Eduardo Diaz, Mary Blaida, Lori Klein, Brad Kurz, Thomas Boettjer, Alyssa Dons, Katie Dasso, Carlos Patino, Harold Arnold, Marcia Day, Elvira Rivera, Melissa Tobias, Joe Phillips, Donyielle Josephs, Mario Silva, Sharon Zigulich, Anthony Rainey, Deirdre Pallasch, Karin Candelaria, Pam Civik, Lindsey Anderson, Santino Sadder, Kristin German, Jillian Ruddy, Joe Holesovky, Abigail Weber, Courtney Banks, Courtney McDonald, Eryn Van Acker, Maria Elipas, Brian Tomsheck, Anthony Scott, Margaret Gorski, Randall Powell, Julie Carter, Mary Holmes, Diana Rivera, John Mrugala, Anna Jensen, Abby Scheer, Lekia Savage, Derek Bacalzo, Kristin Arras, John Mahon, Faith Ston, Jolene Galpin
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bryan Traubert
Chairman / Co-founder Bryan S. Traubert is an ophthalmologist, civic leader, health expert and wellness advocate. For 25 years, he's practiced opthalmology in Chicago as a partner with Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago. He also participates in global medical missions; for the past two years, he's provided care in Africa. In 2007, Dr. Traubert founded ChicagoRun to fight childhood obesity. As President of the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing public education and quality of life in Chicago, Dr. Traubert has initiated programs to improve the health of young people - one in collaboration with Harvard University and the National YMCA. He's also chairman of the board of Marwen which educates and inspires thousands of underserved children through the visual arts. Most recently, he was appointed President of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners. Dr. Traubert received his B.S. in biology from The Citadel and his medical degree from the University of Illinois. He did his residency at Michael Reese Hospital, completed a fellowship in medical ethics at the University of Chicago and the executive management program at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. He's married to business executive, Penny Pritzker. An avid outdoors and fitness person, Dr. Traubert enjoys running, cycling, tennis, gardening, theater, contemporary art and architecture.
Cindy Hamilton
Cindy Hamilton was born in Washington, D.C, and has lived in Chicago for more than 15 years. A graduate from Northwestern, she has focused on communications and media for the majority of her career, holding positions at Edelman Worldwide, Comcast and Weber Shandwick. She now manages public and community relations for Nike's midwest region. Cindy and her husband, Andy, have two children and in her spare time she enjoys reading, cooking and running.Cody McSellers-McCray
Cody grew up in East St.Louis, Illinois. She attended Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb where she was the captain of the women's track & field team and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training. She earned her Masters of Public Health degree from NIU as well. She has worked in the health and fitness industry for seven years, specializing in areas of rehabilitation, obesity prevention, corporate fitness, women's health, and adolescent female health. Cody is the Director of Health Promotions for the Westside Health Authority in the Austin Community where she oversees health initiatives focused on nutrition education, physical activity, social services for pregnant women, and breast cancer awareness. She is a board member of the Schweitzer Fellows for Life Program and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Cody lives in Chicago with her husband and enjoys traveling, running, playing tennis, yoga, pilates, spinning and reading.Leonard (Lenny) Gail
Lenny grew up in Morton Grove, Illinois. He attended Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. He is a founding partner of Massey & Gail and has practiced law at commercial law firms, in-house, and as a federal prosecutor in Chicago for 20 years. His wife, Robin Steans, and he have three daughters: Jessica (age 16), Leah (age 14), and Sydney (age 12). He currently chairs the board of the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues, and also serves on the boards of the Northwestern School of Communication and the Chicago Debate Commission. He enjoys travel, running, tennis, reading, and current events.Chris Harper
Chris grew up on the south side of Chicago. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business and recently earned his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. At Penn, Chris was the captain of the men's varsity track team and a 12-time Ivy League Champion. After several years in corporate America and helping to start an elementary school, Chris has started his own training and fitness company, Apex Training & Wellness, as well as a Subway sandwich franchise. Currently, Chris is a faculty member at the University of Chicago Lab School and runs Apex Training & Wellness.Krish Mohip
Krish grew up in Skokie, Illinois. He attended Mt. St. Clare University in Iowa on a Presidential Scholarship and majored in Education. He taught full time for two years before becoming a teaching Assistant Principal at Hayt Elementary School in the Edgewater neighborhood. He later served as the Assistant Principal and Technology Coordinator at Garvy Elementary in the Jefferson Park neighborhood. In January 2007, he became the Principal at John A. Walsh Math and Science Academy in Pilsen. His commitment is to educate the whole child and prepare the students and the parents for higher education. He believes that the schools should be the focal point of the community which serves all members, not just the students. He is currently working on his PhD at Loyola University. He and his wife, Erin, live in the Andersonville neighborhood and enjoy camping, backpacking, fishing, biking, running, volleyball, basketball, volunteering, and history. They are also currently putting together a nonprofit organization that raises money to send low-income students on field trips.Steven Schwartz
Steven grew up in Highland Park, Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University where he was captain of the water polo team. Steven is the President and CEO of Tennis Corporation of America (TCA), which operates health and racquet clubs and corporate fitness centers/hospital wellness centers through its Midtown Athletic Club and Proactive Partners brands. Steven also serves on the Boards of Classic Residence by Hyatt, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and The George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. He also serves on the Advisory Boards of the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro magazine. He and his wife, Claudia, live in Glencoe, Illinois and have three children: Alex, Samantha, and Annie. He enjoys travel, comedy, tennis, cycling, swimming, photography, current events and food!
Chet Phillips
Chet Phillips grew up in Des Plaines, Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Elmhurst College. Chet is the Vice President of Information Technology at Vi (pronounced vee), formerly Classic Residence by Hyatt. He has the responsibility for providing technology to drive a complex business model based on real estate, hospitality and healthcare. Prior to Vi, Chet was the Director of Business Intelligence at Motorola. During his 25-year career, he has implemented and managed large-scale global financial systems in highly mission critical environments. As well as playing a leading role in the integration management of a pioneering, single global ERP instance. In 2003, his team won the annual RealWare Award for “Best Strategic Business Performance Management Application.” In addition to his passion for technology, Chet is a lifelong runner. While at Motorola, Chet founded the 300 person Motorola Runner’s Club in 1988. Later he founded the Motorola Half Marathon and Relays and became the Co-Race Director from 1993-1996 which included the United States Women’s Championships in 1996. Chet continues to compete in running and lives with his wife Susan and two sons in St. Charles, Illinois.
Christine D. Zelenka
Christine Zelenka is the principal at Murphy School. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, her Masters and Educational Specialist Degree in Education from National Louis University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate Degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has served children in the Chicago Public Schools for over 22 years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. She believes in educating the whole-child through passion and commitment to high standards.
David Levin
David grew up in Glencoe, Illinois. He received a BA in Economics from Pitzer College where he played on the Varsity golf team. David began his career in Real Estate Investment working as an advisor for several pension funds. He specialized in the acquisition of apartment communities throughout the country and in 2004 began his own firm, Levin Realty Advisors, LLC. David and his wife Megan have two daughters ages 6 and 8. He has actively supported Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, The Jewish United Fund and is a member of the National Multi-Housing Council. An avid triathlete since 1992, David has competed in several Ironman events around the country. His favorite past times include swimming, biking, running, skiing, playing golf and cooking.
Chet Phillips
Chet Phillips grew up in Des Plaines, Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Elmhurst College. Chet is the Vice President of Information Technology at Vi (pronounced vee), formerly Classic Residence by Hyatt. He has the responsibility for providing technology to drive a complex business model based on real estate, hospitality and healthcare. Prior to Vi, Chet was the Director of Business Intelligence at Motorola. During his 25-year career, he has implemented and managed large-scale global financial systems in highly mission critical environments. As well as playing a leading role in the integration management of a pioneering, single global ERP instance. In 2003, his team won the annual RealWare Award for “Best Strategic Business Performance Management Application.” In addition to his passion for technology, Chet is a lifelong runner. While at Motorola, Chet founded the 300 person Motorola Runner’s Club in 1988. Later he founded the Motorola Half Marathon and Relays and became the Co-Race Director from 1993-1996 which included the United States Women’s Championships in 1996. Chet continues to compete in running and lives with his wife Susan and two sons in St. Charles, Illinois.
Christine D. Zelenka
Christine Zelenka is the principal at Murphy School. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, her Masters and Educational Specialist Degree in Education from National Louis University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate Degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has served children in the Chicago Public Schools for over 22 years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. She believes in educating the whole-child through passion and commitment to high standards.
David Levin
David grew up in Glencoe, Illinois. He received a BA in Economics from Pitzer College where he played on the Varsity golf team. David began his career in Real Estate Investment working as an advisor for several pension funds. He specialized in the acquisition of apartment communities throughout the country and in 2004 began his own firm, Levin Realty Advisors, LLC. David and his wife Megan have two daughters ages 6 and 8. He has actively supported Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, The Jewish United Fund and is a member of the National Multi-Housing Council. An avid triathlete since 1992, David has competed in several Ironman events around the country. His favorite past times include swimming, biking, running, skiing, playing golf and cooking.
Co-Founder
Penny Pritzker
Penny Pritzker is the cofounder of Chicago Run. A civic and business leader, Penny is chairman of the board of TransUnion and chairman/CEO of Pritzker Realty Group. She's committed to Chicago public school reform and is Chairman of the Chicago Public Education Fund. As well, she sits on the Presidents Economic Recovery Advisory Board and was national finance chair of the Barack Obama for President Campaign. She sits on the boards of Hyatt Hotels, Stanford University and the Council on Foreign Relations. Her interests include running, cycling, travel, contemporary art and current affairs.
Penny Pritzker is the cofounder of Chicago Run. A civic and business leader, Penny is chairman of the board of TransUnion and chairman/CEO of Pritzker Realty Group. She's committed to Chicago public school reform and is Chairman of the Chicago Public Education Fund. As well, she sits on the Presidents Economic Recovery Advisory Board and was national finance chair of the Barack Obama for President Campaign. She sits on the boards of Hyatt Hotels, Stanford University and the Council on Foreign Relations. Her interests include running, cycling, travel, contemporary art and current affairs.
