Erica Chianelli helped raise the awareness and reputation of FamilyForward to new heights, laying the groundwork for our continued success.
Three years ago, we embarked on a search to find a new executive director after our long-term director, Chuck Warner, decided to retire. After conducting several interviews, we ran across a candidate who immediately impressed us and, coincidentally, lived within walking distance of FamilyForward’s office. Her name was Erica Chianelli.
Erica joined the organization with more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector in both volunteer and management roles. Needless to say, if you know Erica, she dove into her new position headfirst. Her energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude were contagious as she went about her daily activities.
Passionate about building relationships, Erica proved herself to be a consummate networker. She participated actively in local chambers of commerce and women’s leadership groups in several northwest suburbs, engaging many new supporters along the way. She met with leaders of other nonprofit organizations to exchange ideas and learn how to better get things done. She had a significant impact in growing our fundraisers and making them even more financially successful. Erica resurrected our golf outing for the first time in ten years, led the creation and establishment of an advisory board of younger professionals, and was a leader in the Northwest Suburban Affordable Housing Alliance. Additionally, she arranged meetings with elected government officials to advocate for affordable housing and financial assistance for those not covered by other programs.
As board chair, I had complete confidence in Erica to manage the staff and operations as our organization grew in size and complexity. She helped raise the awareness and reputation of FamilyForward to new heights and, no doubt, will be a tough act to follow. Most important, as we look forward, we thank Erica for laying the groundwork for FamilyForward’s continued success.
Congratulations to Erica on a job well done! We wish her the best for continuing career success.
Photo by Something Blue Photography.
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