Easterseals National Directory

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Lisa  Bandyk
Lisa Bandyk
Director, Development, Direct Mail
Development

Lisa Bandyk is the director of direct mail marketing. She has been with Easterseals for 29 years, starting as a marketing coordinator and working her way up. Lisa has a passion for cooking, gardening, and planning events.

Aimee  Berniard
Aimee Berniard
VP, Development Operations
Development Operations

Aimee Berniard serves as the vice president of development operations. She leads a team that manages donor databases and Easterseals’ Online Network, which includes over 50 websites and several online fundraising platforms.

Dana  Bunke
Dana Bunke
SVP, Direct Response and Integrated Fundraising
Direct Response and Integrated Fundraising

Dana Bunke is senior vice president of direct response and integrated fundraising. She comes to Easterseals after spending years in various marketing and fundraising roles at US-based, national nonprofit organizations. Dana, Kevin, three children and an energetic dog live above their coffee shop in Memphis, TN. Dana loves travel and finding comfortable places on the road to eat and enjoys different cultures. Movies, books, fundraising, and leadership are favorite topics for conversation, yet Dana’s fondest chats are with her kids, who joyfully tell her of their daily adventures and will unabashedly share if Dana is nice or not on any given day.

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Jacqueline  Case
Jacqueline Case
Financial Grant Manager
Finance

Jacqueline Case is the financial grant manager and has been with Easterseals since 2017. She has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit accounting. She works closely with the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and mobility and transportation teams. She resides in the south suburbs of Chicago with her four children and her four fur babies.

Eric   Clark
Eric Clark
Digital Fundraising Manager
Direct Response and Integrated Fundraising

Eric Clark is the digital fundraising manager. Eric has spent 15 years in the digital fundraising space. When he is not helping to fundraise online, he is chasing the next adrenaline adventure with his significant other, Stacy. He is an avid snowboarder, SCUBA diver, and has been skydiving several times. Eric is also passionate about science and technology.

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Kendra  Davenport
Kendra Davenport , MPL, CFRE
President and CEO

Kendra Davenport came to Easterseals with three decades of nonprofit experience, having managed development and communications portfolios and teams ranging in size from 50 to 1500 for several national and international organizations. Before joining Easterseals in March of 2022 as president and CEO, Kendra led global philanthropy, communications, and brand marketing for Operation Smile. She is a passionate collaborator and places tremendous emphasis on transparency and trust as she works to support Easterseals’ Network of 70 Affiliates, elevate the brand, and raise transformative funding and awareness of Easterseals’ mission – to promote equity, inclusion, and access for people living with disabilities, older Americans, and veterans.

Tom  Davies
Tom Davies
Vice President of IT
Information Technology

Before joining Easterseals, Tom spent three decades working for global corporations across a variety of departments, including computer aided manufacturing, software development and testing, and leading a multi-country infrastructure team. Throughout his career Tom has been at the forefront of implementing new technology and starting new initiatives. At Molex, he established and led the IT support organization. Since joining Easterseals in 2015, Tom and his team have stabilized, updated, and secured the National office’s IT systems. Tom earned his master’s in organizational psychology from National Louis University.

Carrie  Diamond
Carrie Diamond
Senior Director of Transportation and Mobility
Transportation and Mobility

Carrie Diamond is the senior director of transportation and mobility and co-director of the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC). Before joining Easterseals, she spent over a decade in operations and oversight of human services transportation programs in Wisconsin. At Easterseals, Carrie leads the development of resources as well as training and direct technical assistance to transportation programs serving older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Carrie is a certified ADA coordinator through the University of Missouri and holds Community Resource Specialist – Aging/Disabilities certification from the Alliance of information and Referral Systems.

Enjoli J. Dixon
Enjoli J. Dixon
Technical Assistance Specialist II
Transportation and Mobility

Enjoli J. Dixon is the technical assistance specialist II and serves as the project associate, Federal Transit Association (FTA), National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM)/Regional Liaison, FTA Region 4, and Region 7. She serves as the current chief program officer for TransitCon and Transportation Research Board Committees as the liaison between the Native American Transportation Issues (AME30) and Equity in Transportation (AME 10). Enjoli has an associate degree from State Technical College of Missouri in civil engineering technology, and bachelor’s degree in architecture and master’s degree in architecture and urban planning with an emphasis in transportation and transit, and urban and social issues from the University of Kansas.

Jenny  Kleiman  Dowd
Jenny Kleiman Dowd , MA
Administrative Director and Board Liaison
Executive

Jenny Kleiman Dowd is the administrative director and board liaison. In her role, she oversees the day-to-day operations and special projects of the Office of the President and manages board governance matters for the National Board of Directors. Jenny holds a Master of Art in social service administration from the University of Chicago and has worked in the nonprofit sector for over the past decade. A seasoned nonprofit professional, Jenny has experience in volunteer engagement, project management, program development, fundraising, training facilitation, and providing high-level executive support. She looks forward to using her broad skillset to help advance Easterseals’ mission.

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Robyn  Elefane
Robyn Elefane
Associate Vice President, Events and Partnerships
Communications and Corporate Relations

Robyn Elefane is the associate vice president of events and partnerships. Before joining Easterseals, she spent fifteen years developing, planning, and executing six-figure fundraising events for international nonprofit medical organization Operation Smile while cultivating relationships with corporate and foundation leaders, major gift donors, and celebrity influencers. In addition to her responsibilities with Easterseals National, Robyn also proudly serves locally on the Easterseals Central Florida Advisory Board.

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Eugenia  Freeman
Eugenia Freeman
Accounts Payable Accountant
Finance

Eugenia Freeman is the accounts payable accountant for Easterseals with responsibility for vendor payments, purchasing card processing, and invoicing. Eugenia has been with Easterseals for 35 years, starting as a data entry clerk processing billing for purchased publications. Eugenia is a mother of two and grandmother of five, and enjoys spending time with family and friends and listening to music.

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Michael   Gallardo
Michael Gallardo
Work Solution Specialist
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Michael Gallardo is a work solution specialist with the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Before joining Easterseals, he spent many years in customer support. Michael is very passionate in ensuring participants receive all the help they need. He enjoys exploring the city of Chicago to find hidden gems in the city.

Milan  Gandhi
Milan Gandhi
Coordinator, CRM Strategy and Analytics
Development Operations

Milan Gandhi is the coordinator of CRM strategy and analytics. Before joining Easterseals, Milan worked for various businesses in Gainesville, FL and then graduated with his bachelor's degree in organizational management in August 2022. He enjoys going to the gym, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. He is currently researching which school to apply for a master's program. Milan is an excellent point of contact for data hygiene, utilization of BBCRM software, and analytical reporting with Affiliates.

Yolanda  Green
Yolanda Green
Director, Digital Marketing
Brand Marketing

Yolanda Green is the Director of Digital Marketing. She has over 10 years of experience in content management, social media management, and digital storytelling. Before coming to Easterseals, she passionately supported organizations with youth programs in both sports and the arts. Yolanda has a bachelor’s in English and rhetoric from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. When not working, she plays tennis and while not a professional, she tries to channel the competitive spirit of Serena Williams.

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Gary  Haman
Gary Haman , MBA
Director of Treasury and Financial Planning
Finance

Gary Haman assists the finance team in banking, cash management, insurance, and investments. In addition, he leads the National office team in gathering financial projections and annual budgets. Working with all Affiliates, Gary collects and consolidates annual financial certification data and 990s.

Erin  Hawley
Erin Hawley
Communications and Digital Content Producer
Brand Marketing

Erin Hawley is the communications and digital content producer. Erin has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Monmouth University, and an Master of Arts in multicultural and transnational literatures from East Carolina University. She is an avid reader, and shares her bookish adventures on her YouTube channel, From Erin's Library. Erin is also an advocate for inclusion and accessibility in gaming, and has worked with companies like Xbox, Adobe, Sony, and Meta to ensure their products and services work for disabled people. When not reading or gaming, you can probably find Erin listening to Mariah Carey on repeat.

Mark   Hechinger
Mark Hechinger
Chief Administration Officer and Counsel

Mark joined the Easterseals National office as Chief Administration Officer and Counsel after serving as a consultant and part-time employee on several Easterseals' health care and health equity initiatives. He later served as interim CEO from October 2021 to March 2022. Previously a partner with the Chicago-based law firm of Georges & Synowiecki, Ltd., as well as associate general counsel and chief health strategy officer at the YMCA of the USA, Mark’s experience includes health care benefits consulting, contracting, corporate regulatory compliance, and litigation.

Brandon   Horton
Brandon Horton
Workforce Solutions Specialist
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Brandon Horton is an Easterseals workforce solutions specialist. Brandon has over 10 years of experience in community and direct services. He loves engaging in various community events and enjoys discussing astronomy and music.

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Sam  Johnson
Sam Johnson
Senior Director, Digital Technology and Marketing
Development Operations

Sam Johnson serves as the managing director of Easterseals' online infrastructure. He and his team provide direction and support for the network of Affiliate websites.

Jeremy   Johnson-Miller
Jeremy Johnson-Miller
Communications Manager
Transportation and Mobility

Jeremy Johnson-Miller represents both Easterseals Project Action and the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), a federally funded technical assistance center. Jeremy’s expertise is focused on ADA accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities and access to reliable transportation options. Before joining Easterseals, Jeremy served as transit programs administrator at Iowa Department of Transportation, providing compliance oversight of state and federal transportation programs, and overseeing coordination with other state departments within Iowa. Jeremy holds a bachelor’s in geography from the University of Iowa and is a certified public manager from Drake University.

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Emma  Kean
Emma Kean
Senior Accountant
Finance

Emma Kean has supported the finance team as a senior accountant since 2011. Before taking this role at Easterseals, Emma spent 10 years as a business manager for two other nonprofit organizations: a contemporary dance company and a women's shelter. As a lifelong Chicagoan, she enjoys the diverse cultural and gastronomical offerings of the city.

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Alexandre  Lambert
Alexandre Lambert
Manager – Direct Response
Integrated Fundraising and Direct Response

Alexandre Lambert is the Manager of Direct Response and takes part in Easterseals’ direct mail fundraising efforts. He is a long-time Chicagoan and wishes the local sports teams were doing better.

April  Le
April Le
Grant Administration Manager
Development

April Le is the Grants Administration Manager for Easterseals and supports the grant related fundraising efforts for the Development Team. Before joining Easterseals she spent over 12 years in various fundraising capacities in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Outside of the office, you can find her at the beach with her two dog children, taking or teaching a yoga class or plotting her next adventure with her significant other, Matt.

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Jane   Mahoney
Jane Mahoney , ADAC, CRS-A/D
Training and Technical Assistance Specialist
Transportation and Mobility

Jane Mahoney is a training and technical assistance specialist for the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC). Before joining Easterseals, she worked in the Aging Network for over 25 years and has extensive experience working with caregiver support programs, transportation coordination, and accessibility. Jane lives and works in northwest Wisconsin and enjoys running and playing horn. She has a social work degree from Concordia College, is a certified ADA coordinator, and holds Community Resource Specialist – Aging/Disabilities certification from the Alliance of information and Referral Systems.

Meredith  Mansfield
Meredith Mansfield
AVP, Data & Information Management
Network Advancement

Meredith Mansfield is the associate vice president of data and information management. Meredith develops and manages data and knowledge management strategies and systems to provide the Easterseals Network with trusted, easy-to-access, useful data that reflects the organization’s impact, yields actionable insights, and drives forward-looking decision making. She supports planning and execution of Network advancement initiatives and efforts that foster cross-network collaboration to enhance organizational sustainability and enable strategic, mission-aligned growth. Meredith also manages the customer service department, which provides front-line assistance, and referral and administrative support to the public, Affiliates, and National office.

Cindy  Metzger
Cindy Metzger
Corporate Relations and Department Operations Director
Communications and Corporate Relations

Cindy Metzger serves as corporate relations and department operations director. She is responsible for a wide range of duties related to the day-to-day management and operation of communications and corporate relations department. Cindy stewards Easterseals’ relationship with Legacy Corporate Partner Century 21 Real Estate. She manages the bi-weekly distribution of Easterseals’ Network Update and monthly online funds reconciliation and affiliate funds distribution process. She is the staff liaison for Easterseals’ marketing partner Evolution creative solutions.

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Katherine  Newman
Katherine Newman
Training and Technical Assistance Specialist
Transportation and Mobility

Katherine Newman is a Training and Technical Assistance Specialist for the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center and is a certified ADA Coordinator. She supports NADTC by providing technical assistance, training, and educational opportunities to transportation programs across the country. She has extensive experience in transportation coordination and accessibility.

Lily  Newton
Lily Newton
Content Specialist, Social Media
Brand Marketing

Lily Newton is a content specialist for the Brand Marketing team. She loves making educational content and wants to increase accessibility in virtual spaces. Outside of work, Lily is an artist, writer, and filmmaker and is passionate about diversity representation in the arts.

Tom  Nguyen
Tom Nguyen
VP of Corporate Development
Corporate Development

Tom Nguyen is the vice president of corporate development. Before joining Easterseals, Tom spent more than eight years at DePaul University and more than nine years with the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in corporate development roles. He is originally from Iowa and is a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye fan and alum. In his free time, he enjoys going to movies, traveling, and playing softball, volleyball, and tennis.

Tina  Nolan
Tina Nolan , EdD
Senior Director of Grant Development and Research
Development

Tina Nolan is senior director of grant development and research at Easterseals. With more than 20 years of experience as a nonprofit professional, Tina brings expertise in strategy, fund development, new business development, and research to advance the work of the National office. Before joining Easterseals in 2021, Tina was an independent strategy and fund development consultant for education, health care, and cultural organizations nationwide. Tina also taught doctoral students and chaired dissertations at National Louis University, and was director of partnerships at the National College of Education and director of education at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago.

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Paul  O'Dette
Paul O'Dette
Director of IT Operations
Information Technology

Paul O’Dette has led the IT operations team since 2015 in his role as director of IT operations. Before joining Easterseals, Paul spent over 20 years in both profit and non-profit organizations, overseeing IT strategy, security, and operations management locally and internationally. Paul has been married to his wife, Laura, for over 30 years and his two sons are pursuing careers in engineering and medicine. Paul has maintained a lifelong interest in music, and often enjoys an evening of learning his favorite pieces on guitar, especially during those cold times when riding a bike is not an option.

Glenda   Oakley
Glenda Oakley
Chief Financial Officer
Finance and Human Resources

Glenda Oakley is the chief financial officer with oversight of finance and human resources. Before joining Easterseals, Glenda spent over 15 years with Aetna leading and driving financial best practices for the Medicare Medicaid plans in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. Glenda started her career in public accounting and has experience in internal and external audit, corporate finance, and consulting. Glenda has a strong personal connection to the Easterseals mission as her husband is a retired United States Marine who served for 30 years.

Crystal   Odom-McKinney
Crystal Odom-McKinney
National Director
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

As national director of the largest federally funded program for older adults who seek employment and training assistance and civic engagement, Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Crystal provides oversight and support to Easterseals multistate partners and territories. With more than 20 years in non-profit management and expertise in working with diverse populations, Crystal knows what truly drives community collaborations. Crystal earned her Bachelor of Science in psychology from Tennessee State University and Master of Arts in counseling psychology from Lewis University. Crystal is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces (Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm). She resides in Chicago and is inspired daily by her husband and daughter.

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Cielo  Pena
Cielo Pena
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service

Cielo Pena serves as the customer service manager. Her team provides telephone and email support to Easterseals' participants providing information and referral to programs, services, and resources through Easterseals and other organizations. Some of Cielo's personal interests are reading science fiction, and psych mystery books, jewelry making, and for fun – completing puzzles, listening to music, and reminiscing on childhood when in the company of her brothers and sisters (family fun).

David  Pitak
David Pitak
Assistant Director of CRM Strategy and Analytics
Development Operations

David Pitak serves as the assistant director of CRM strategy and analytics. Before joining Easterseals, he spent eight years at the Shedd Aquarium.

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Nolan  Ramotar
Nolan Ramotar
Systems Engineer
Information Technology

Nolan Ramotar is the IT systems engineer. He has worked in the IT field for nearly 20 years. Nolan, his wife, Tracey, and son, David, love to travel and explore new places. Nolan is an avid Chicago sports fan and hopes that the Bears can finally have a successful season.

Adriana   Reyneri
Adriana Reyneri
Sr. Director, Corporate Development
Communications and Corporate Relations

Adriana Reyneri, senior director of corporate development, is a fundraising professional dedicated to making the world a better place. Adriana uses strong writing and critical thinking skills to find the win-win-win for our funders, organization, and clients. She’s also passionate about the outdoors, cycling, and anything textile.

Jes  Rodriguez
Jes Rodriguez
Manager, Digital Marketing Technology and Customer Support
Development Operations

Jes Rodriguez serves as manager of digital marketing technology and customer support. Before joining Easterseals, he spent the last 10 years working with nonprofits through various means, including his tenure with Blackbaud, freelance engagements, volunteering, and peer-to-peer event participation.

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Judy  L.  Shanley
Judy L. Shanley , PhD, MBA, MS
National Director, Mobility, Transportation, Education, and Youth Transition
Mobility and Transportation

Judy L. Shanley, PhD is the national director of mobility, transportation, and youth Transition and serves as the director of several Federal projects funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and National Science Foundation (NSF). She manages projects, conducts research, and provides technical assistance regarding transportation coordination, mobility management, and building a continuum of accessible mobility options. Judy is currently the Secretary of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Access Committee and the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Standing Committee on Accessible Transportation and Mobility (AME50). Prior to Easterseals, Judy worked at the US Department of Education. She earned her PhD in special education from the University of Florida and Master of Business Administration and master’s in rehabilitation Counseling from Syracuse University.

Dion  Smith
Dion Smith , M.P.A., CWDP
Manager of Programs and Compliance
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Dion Smith is the manager of programs and compliance for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Dion worked at Easterseals Chicagoland and Greater Rockford from 2009 to 2012 as a program coordinator. He joined the Easterseals National SCSEP team in November 2012. Dion’s hobbies are travel, movies, sports, and studying politics, which are passions that fully developed while at Northern Illinois University. He is an active member of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). Dion is responsible for the day-to-day compliance of the SCSEP program(s) within his territory, partnering with subgrantees and providing training and technical assistance.

Luba  Starobin
Luba Starobin , MBA
Controller
Finance

Luba Starobin is the controller and has dedicated her career to nonprofit work. Before joining Easterseals, she spent 13 years at Rotary International, and held various finance leadership positions at other nonprofit organizations. Luba is originally from St. Petersburg, Russia and has a passion for international travel and performing arts. Luba currently resides with her spunky 5-year-old daughter in Skokie, IL.

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Susan  Tovar
Susan Tovar , CWDP, WET
Project Director
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Susan started with Easterseals in June 2014 as a case manager/job developer, then was promoted to workforce solutions specialist, and now as the Chicago Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) project director. Before joining Easterseals, she spent seven years with Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Rockford (formerly Easterseals Metropolitan Chicago), first as an administrative assistant, and later as program support specialist assisting all programs funded by the City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and the Department of Labor. Susan is a proud mother of three children, enjoys dancing, and loves long drives while visiting her family in New York.

Marcy   Traxler
Marcy Traxler
Senior Vice President
Network Advancement

Marcy Traxler is the senior vice president of Network advancement, working across the Network to support Easterseals’ Affiliates in programs, funding, and growth. Before joining Easterseals, she spent over 20 years in the health care industry in business development strategy and planning. Marcy loves the vibrant theater scene in Chicago and takes in as many shows as time allows.

Marko  Tutunovic
Marko Tutunovic
Grant Accountant
Finance

Marko Tutunovic is the grant accountant and has been with Easteseals since 2020. He works closely with the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) team.

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Sierra  Vaughn
Sierra Vaughn
Administrative Assistant
Executive

Sierra Vaughn is the Administrative Assistant at the National Office. She provides support to the Senior Leadership Team and helps with day-to-day operations. Her passions include tennis, traveling, and volunteering.

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Kat   Wallace Knowles
Kat Wallace Knowles
Vice President
Brand Marketing

Kat Wallace Knowles leads content marketing and brand strategy with her team. Their work is collaborative across the Easterseals Network, and includes writing, editing, video and photo work, podcasting, and corporate activation. Kat has a Master of Science in integrated marketing communication from the Reed College of Media at West Virginia University. She has worked with several brands to fine-tune their values and messaging, build award-winning storytelling programs, develop overall content strategy, and boost social media presence. Kat is also an “adolescent and young adult” (AYA) breast cancer survivor. She likes to talk about her experience with her best friend and sister on a podcast they started.

Sharon   Watson
Sharon Watson
Senior Vice President
Corporate Communications and Corporate Relations

Sharon Watson leads the communications and corporate relations department. In addition to developing and executing national communications strategies to amplify awareness of Easterseals’ impact in the lives of 61 million Americans with disabilities, Sharon works with National’s development team to secure funding from corporations and foundations committed to the organization's mission of leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families, and communities. She joined Easterseals after 15 years in sales, marketing, and public relations for global corporations including ITT Sheraton Hotels and Scandinavian Airlines.

Helen   Wesson
Helen Wesson
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service

Helen Wesson is the customer service representative. Using her positive attitude and warm demeanor, she provides direct telephone and email support to the public, responding to inquiries and connecting community members to appropriate services and resources. Additionally, Helen provides clerical support to Network advancement and the National office, ensuring smooth and efficient day-to-day operations. She finds working at Easterseals especially rewarding because she enjoys helping others. Helen has decades of professional experience providing exceptional customer service, maintaining office workflows, overseeing operations, and conducting quality assurance. In her free time, Helen enjoys singing and theatre, and is active with the community theatre group in her Chicago neighborhood.

Gino  Williams
Gino Williams
Data Manager
Network Advancement

Gino Williams is the data manager. His team supports the National Data System (NDS), which captures financial, bequest, staff, and client data for all Affiliates. Before joining Easterseals, he spent over 25 years as a database administrator and data analyst in utilities, marketing, finance, and science.

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Max  Zielinski
Max Zielinski , MBA
Assistant National Director
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Max Zielinski is the assistant national director for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). He has been with Easterseals for nearly 10 years and prior to that he worked for another organization that administered SCSEP. Max and his wife, Kim, have been married for more than 20 years, and they have a freshman son in high school, Zander, and a teenage daughter in middle school, Maddie. When everyone is not busy with school or sports, the whole family enjoys traveling and visiting family. Max always tries to bring insight, fun and a touch of humor to any activity.

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