CDE’s Board Members are ambassadors for the company. They make a commitment to the advancement of the organization as advocates for the people we serve, spokespersons for the organization’s programs and services, and trustees to ensure a sound financial future. Click here to find out how you can become a CDE Board Member.
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Megan LewisMegan has been involved with CDE for more than 10 years, initially as a parent when her two children participated in CDE’s arts education program, and more recently as CDE’s managing and development director. She has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit project development and management, building relationships, securing funding, developing programming, and managing a variety of projects. Currently Megan is Director, Programs at The Delta Institute, which supports thriving communities and landscapes through nature-based climate solutions. Educated and trained as an urban planner, Megan has experience addressing social and economic inequities in under-resourced neighborhoods and communities. Megan has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Indiana University and a master’s degree in urban and environmental planning from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives with her family in Chicago’s East Humboldt Park neighborhood.
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John BovardJohn Bovard has been supporting the accounting and tax reporting efforts of CDE for three years before joining the board in 2015. He is a CPA with more than 25 years of financial accounting, tax and consulting experience. John’s experience includes 20 years with a Top 10 International CPA firm where he served as a Partner. Currently John is the Managing Partner of Bovard LLC. He is a life-long resident of Chicago and currently resides in the western suburbs with his wife, Barb, and son, Patrick. John and Barb are active members of the community and supporters of Chicagoland area nonprofit organizations.
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Jane Liles MartinezOriginally from Cincinnati, Jane Liles Martinez is a former market researcher, having worked for Kraft and ComEd among other companies. Before coming to Chicago, she was involved in asset management, human resources, and corporate records during a stint in Washington, DC. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, where she majored in German literature and minored in chemistry, Jane lived with her family in Japan during her junior high school years. She currently sits on the Local School Council (LSC) for A.N. Pritzker Elementary and is a past member of the Talcott Elementary LSC. Jane has been a member of the Chicago Church of Christ for 25 years. She and her daughter, Isabel, live in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood. Isabel is a long-time fan of CDE and has been in several of Ellyzabeth's classes.
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Ashley BowmanSince 2014 Ashley Bowman has worked periodically with CDE as a stage manager and production manager. She is excited to be involved with CDE as a board member. She has a BFA in Stage Management from Northern Kentucky University and has been able to work with many wonderful companies over the years, including Covedale Center for the Performing Artsin Cincinnati, Collaboraction, Greenhouse Theatre Center, Eclipse Theatre Company, and many more. Ashley’s experience includes 15 years of Stage Management and 5 years as Executive Assistant to the COO and CIO of Potbelly Sandwich Shop. She currently resides in Chicago with her partner, Sean, and daughter Lily. They are very active in the Down Syndrome community, helping to advocate for their daughter and all her friends rocking 21 chromosomes.
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Matthew J Parsons Matthew is a Writer, Operational Communications for United Airlines, responsible for creating and distributing internal communications for United’s 90,000+ employees worldwide. He has extensive experience in both airline operations management and in corporate communications. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Roosevelt University with a major in integrated marketing communications and a concentration in public relations and is currently working toward a Master of Arts in professional communication at DePaul University. He also serves as the Communications and Public Relations Chair on the Board of Directors for EQUAL, United Airlines’ business resource group for LGBTQ+ employees. Matthew has been a supporter and volunteer with CDE since 2016. On his days off, you will find him reading, visiting museums, and traveling anywhere where there’s a plane with an open seat!
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