In 2011 LIFT-Chicago formed its first Regional Advisory Board. This remarkable group is tasked with leading local fundraising efforts, serving as a champion for LIFT-Chicago’s work, providing strategic counsel to the executive director and inspiring LIFT’s volunteers, staff and clients.
Board members include:
Caroline Degenaars
Caroline is a long-time LIFT ally, supporter and friend. Caroline has extensive experience in helping to strengthen non-profits. In her service with The Woman’s Board at Rush University Medical Center Caroline recently chaired a fashion show as part of a capital campaign for a new heart and vascular center. Caroline has been involved with Providence-Englewood Charter School, Botanic Gardens’ Guild, and has served on the Board of Trustees at Kenilworth Union Church. Previously Caroline spent many years with Columbus Maryville, specifically with a creative arts program called Raising Esteem. Caroline is a proud mother of three beautiful boys.
Tim Frazier
Tim currently serves in the Investment Management Division for Goldman Sachs. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Tim served as Deputy Finance Director for a United States Senate campaign. Tim began his career with Boston based Fidelity Investments. Mr. Frazier was born and raised in East Providence, R.I. and received a BA in Political Science from Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y. Tim originally connected with LIFT-Chicago as a volunteer through Goldman Sachs’ Community TeamWorks program.
Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
Reverend Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., has served as the 23rd president of Loyola University Chicago since June 2001. A seasoned university administrator, tenured professor, author, and scholar, Father Garanzini has spent the majority of his career working in higher education. Prior to becoming president of Loyola, Father Garanzini was a full professor of psychology at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where he had been special assistant to the president for two years. Before joining Georgetown, Father Garanzini was a visiting professor at Fordham University in New York. Active in community service, Father Garanzini is known for his work on behalf of children and families. He is a frequent speaker and has published many books and articles on issues such as child and family therapy, moral development, and Catholic education.
Christopher Skrable
Christopher A. Skrable serves as the Service-Learning Coordinator at Loyola University Chicago, Center for Experiential Learning. In this role Chris facilitates the sharing of resources between the University and community partners through the development and support of service-learning classes across the undergraduate curriculum. Prior to this role Chris served as the Community Service Director at Chicago’s Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. Mr. Skrable’s own background includes extensive experience in secondary and post-secondary education, campus ministry, and advocacy/social justice. Additionally he is an accomplished music director, and chef.
Kristy Williams Fercho
Kristy is Fannie Mae’s Senior Vice President and Chief Acquisition Officer – Single-Family Mortgage Business Central Region. Prior to her present appointment, Fercho was vice president for Human Resources, responsible for company-wide programs and initiatives to improve the performance, utilization, and satisfaction of Fannie Mae’s work force. She led the company’s culture transformation effort, development of the company’s people strategy, and oversaw the design and execution of the programs and initiatives required to implement this strategy. Prior to joining Fannie Mae in May 2002, Fercho worked with PepsiCo for eight and a half years, most recently as director of Human Resources (HR) for several corporate functions worldwide. She began her career with Baxter Healthcare with positions in sales, operations, and HR. Fercho has a bachelor of science in finance from the University of Southern California and a master of business administration from the Erivan K. Haub School of Business at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She currently serves as the chairperson of the National Advisory Council for First American Corporation and on the board for the Power Girls. Kristy first connected with LIFT when Fannie Mae’s Midwestern Regional Office selected LIFT-Chicago as the beneficiary of its Employee Regional Fund Campaign in 2009.