Bernie Rupe
Executive Director
Chicago Voyagers
Bernie is the founder of Chicago Voyagers, a vision born out of his love of nature and passion for mentoring young people. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)., Bernie has more than 25 years experience working with at-risk youth.
Jim Kastenholz
Chair
President, Kastenholz construction
Jim is a general contractor specializing in residential interiors, historic renovation and large scale institutional expansion projects. He is a past board member of the Chicago Children's Museum and the Old Town School of Folk Music and currently serves on the board of the Steans Family Foundation. Jim has also volunteered extensively with Boy Scouts of America.
Silvia Grabacki
Vice Chair
Retired, Motorola Solutions
Silvia brings a comprehensive record of managing and growing global businesses. Throughout her expansive career, Silvia has cultivated outstanding leadership skills across various locations and diverse cultural backgrounds. Silvia is fluent in Spanish and is passionate about providing diverse outdoor experiences to youth in Chicago.
Jon Kelman
TREASURER
Director of commercial exelence, Formerra
Jon is a management consultant focused on commercial strategy and sales effectiveness across a range of industries. Over the past 15 years, he has also worked with several non-profits that support at-risk youth through extracurricular activities; most recently he was a middle school lacrosse coach with OWLS Lacrosse in Chicago for 7 years.
Juan Ascencio
Board member
Teacher, Chicago Public Schools
Juan currently works for Chicago Public Schools in Physical Education. He has been working in the field of education and youth services for nearly two decades and has a deep understanding of the impact Chicago Voyagers has on the teens we serve. A lifelong resident of the city of Chicago, Juan is a champion of inner-city youth.
Patrick Burke
Board Member
Group creative director, highdive advertising
Patrick is a writer and Creative Director with over 25 years of experience in the advertising industry. His freelance writing has also been featured in publications such as Outside, Backpacker, and Fly Fisherman Magazines. Patrick has a passion for the outdoors, and believes that everyone should have equal access to nature and to wild places.
Dan Coyne
Board Member
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER, EVANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dan is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of private/public school service. With a love of nature, Dan serves several organizations that introduce outdoor fun to children and families - serving Chicago Voyagers is a natural fit. During summer break,
Harsha Hegde
Board Member
Senior Director
Commscope
Harsha brings over 28 years of experience managing and leading global technology R&D teams in the Telecom and IT industries. His career spans major corporations such as IBM, Motorola, and Nokia, where he has worked on advisory and patent boards. His extensive expertise matches his strong desire and commitment to community service, particularly supporting children and youth facing adversity or challenges. Harsha has volunteered and contributed to organizations such as Feed My Starving Children and Junior Achievement.
Rob Heinrich
Board Member
private practice
Rob Heinrich grew up with an orchard for a neighbor and has appreciated the therapeutic effect of outdoor life ever since. Rob earned a doctorate from the University of Michigan and has been a clinical psychologist in private practice for 25 years. For the past 27 years, Rob has been a director of the Morrison Family Foundation, whose mission is supporting champions of environmental justice with a focus on equitable access to the outdoors.
Randy Pfeifer
Board Member
retired, Cleversafe, Inc
Randy is a retired senior engineering executive. As a former Vice President of Development, Randy led the development of complete real-time communication systems. He has a long relationship with the Boy Scouts of America, where he has served as Scout Master and High Adventure Coordinator.
David Saunders
Board Member
Managing Director, DSaunders Consulting
David, a father of three with four grandchildren, began his career as a production planner in Detroit. His expansive professional history includes serving as Senior Vice President of Global Services at BUNNserve and as Vice President of Operations for Sara Lee Coffee and Tea.
Jean Theis
Board Member
Vp of Branches, Illinois
MSCFCU
Jean oversees the 10 branch locations in the Chicagoland area for MSUFCU. She is an ICF-trained coach, and has been in banking for over 25 years, leading teams from marketing and community engagement to lending, branch operations and member experience. Formerly a 4-H leader and horseback riding instructor, Jean has a passion for supporting youth growth and development.
Jaime Wesley
Board Member
aCCOUNTING SUPERVISOR, BCU cREDIT UNION
A legal and accounting professional for over 20 years, Jaime has a passion for community service and enjoys volunteering with local nonprofit organizations. Jaime holds a B.A. in Political Science, an MBA, and a Paralegal Certificate. Her current board affiliations include the Professional Women’s Network and Plan4Success, and she has previously volunteered with the YWCA Future Leaders Council, the National Black MBA Association, and the Chicago Urban League.
