Working in corporate finance for SC Johnson Company, Dianna became business manager for the Prairie School in Racine. She is retired and serves on various community boards. Dianna received her MBA from Harvard Business School.

“It’s the quiet moments that inspire me at the confluence of the spirit of what Yerkes was and the spirit of what it will become.”

Formerly with Bernstein Wealth Management, Tom held positions with Ernst & Young and IBM. He is retired and serves on various community boards. Tom received his BS from Drake University.

“I could spend an entire day sitting under the oaks by the pollinator meadow: Yerkes in the background, bluebirds visiting their houses, and the meadow humming with butterflies and bees.”

Currently vice president of finance at Chubb Insurance, Bill previously held finance leadership positions with Allstate and Aviva Insurance. He is involved with various community organizations, including Boy Scouts. Bill received his MBA from DePaul University.

“I could sit all night long in the Yerkes dome with the 24-inch telescope and gaze at galaxies, nebulae, and clusters. I’m really excited to start public viewing sessions with children so they can see the wonders of the universe in real life.”

A trial attorney, Frank serves on various community and educational institution boards in Illinois and Wisconsin. He received his JD from Loyola University.

“I am excited that the public (those who have been here and newcomers) will be able to see the Great Refractor at Yerkes in person. Pictures do not do justice to this magnificent piece of equipment. It stirs the imagination!”

Julie is the Vice President and President of Building Solutions North America for Johnson Controls, based in Milwaukee.

Robin was an original member and president of Village Treasure House, a nonprofit she has been dedicated to for the past twenty-five years. She has led and served on an array of community-engaged boards including Grant Hospital of Chicago, Lyon and Pleasant Ridge School PTAs, and Glenbrook South’s Booster Club. Robin received a BA in Art from Carthage College.

“Whether inside, on the grounds, or on the decorative exterior of the observatory, it’s impossible not to find something new and unique every time I visit Yerkes. One of the most iconic places I’ve experienced, Yerkes is undeniably rooted in discovery and it’s only going to get better. Stay tuned!”

Jeff is on the boards of Lake Geneva Yacht Club and Supply Chain Equity Partners. He was Principal with William Blair & Company and an Instructor of Practice at Marquette University. He holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA from Marquette.

“Carl Sagan wrote, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Albert Einstein wrote, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and ease only at death.” These thoughts speak to the inspiration I feel in helping to perpetuate Yerkes Observatory’s scientific, architectural, horticultural, and artistic missions for future generations of curious minds.”

Dana is a community volunteer and supporter, along with her family, of a variety of regional organizations. She is current or past trustee of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation, Wilmette History Museum, and other organizations. Dana received her BA from University of Illinois.

“Every time I head down the driveway into the ellipse and enter the building, I always get a shiver. It’s a grabber which has yet to ebb for me considering all that has happened here and is still to happen.”

Mike was born and raised in Lake Geneva before getting his undergraduate degree at Middlebury College and his MBA at the University of Chicago. In his career, he was a banker, real estate developer, and investor. He was the Commodore at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club. Mike was also a board member of the Water Safety Patrol and at George Williams College of Aurora University.

“As a lifelong resident and businessman in the community, I’ve anticipated the evolution of our area from getaway to what I believe is its destiny as an intellectual center.  Started by the University of Chicago all those years ago, I believe we have the opportunity and mandate to help facilitate this process which is clearly symbolized by Yerkes.”

Mary was the Executive Director of Healthcare for Oracle Corporation, CEO of Kairos Group, and Senior Manager of Healthcare Consulting for Arthur Andersen. In 2022, she refocused on service. She is a hospice nurse for Vitas Healthcare and a volunteer at Lake Geneva Food Pantry. Mary has an MBA from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

“As a child fishing with my dad on the lake, I would stare up at the Dome and wonder what that magnificent telescope might be seeing and discovering. Carl Sagan’s show Cosmos continued my fascination with the billions of stars and galaxies. He stated, “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” I am honored and excited to be a small part of realizing Yerkes mission of science and the arts for the next little girl with her dad so she can discover she, too, is star stuff.”

David is an Emeritus Associate Professor of Finance at Marquette University. His academic journey includes earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Finance from Northcentral University, an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, and a BBA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. His commitment to teaching excellence has garnered recognition, notably receiving the Marquette University Teaching Excellence Award and the Brennan Master Teacher Award. He serves on various foundation and charitable boards, including Froedtert Health / ThedaCare, Marquette University, Winston Foundation, and the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.

“As a Wisconsinite, I’m thrilled to help bring Yerkes Observatory back to life. This institution embodies our rich scientific heritage and promises to be a vibrant hub for education and inspiration in the sciences once again. My favorite thing about Yerkes is its unique blend of historical significance and potential. It stands as a testament to past achievements while serving as a light for future innovations and discoveries.”

Kate is president and majority shareholder of BioLife4D, a biotechnology firm. She is the founder of Nottingham Associates, a strategic consulting firm in the pharma sector. Kate is also a community volunteer and serves on various boards. She received her BA from Ball State University.

“As a child going up on the shores of Geneva Lake, I have fond memories of visiting Yerkes Observatory every summer.  Walking up the front steps to enter the massive structure always made me think of all who traveled over those steps and their accomplishments in exploring our universe. Every time I enter the building to this day, I am in awe and filled with amazement.”

Joe is partner at Barnes & Thornburg. He was previously deputy chief for environmental enforcement for the Illinois Attorney General’s office and is a former criminal prosecutor. Joe serves as a community volunteer. He received his JD from Southern Methodist University.

“You can’t discover something new if you point your big scope at something you already know is there, but pointing a telescope down on Yerkes would be great because I know every day will bring new discoveries.”

Aaron grew up fascinated by technology. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University where he studied Information Systems and Computer Science. Formative childhood experiences ultimately led him to co-found Sprout Social (NASDAQ: SPT), a Chicago-based software company. He served as its Chief Technology Officer for fourteen years. Aaron now works to pay forward his experience by investing in and advising startups building a more sustainable and abundant future for humans, nature, and the planet.

“Staring into space with its immense mysteries and wonder is in essence a study of the past. It is a study of light emitted from distant stars millions of years ago. However, it is through this exploration and shared learning that we can collectively understand and develop our future: locally, globally, and universally through our own expanding role in the cosmos”

Peter is currently managing partner at Water Street Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm based in Chicago. He serves on numerous corporate boards primarily in pharmaceuticals, as well as on various community and educational boards. Peter received his BA from Harvard University.

“My favorite astronomer ever to study at Yerkes is Edwin Hubble. His time as a graduate student here meaningfully contributed to his underlying motivation and determination to explore and believe leading to his remarkable footprint of accomplishments. Yerkes can continue to impact the next generation of leaders in astronomy, science, and the arts inspiring all of us to Think Big.”

Aimee was a teacher and school administrator for over twenty years. She currently serves on various educational institution and community boards in Illinois and Wisconsin. She received her BS from Butler University and her MAEd from DePaul University and MSEd from Northern Illinois University.

“As a child spending summers in Lake Geneva, I often looked from the lake for the giant dome peeking over the treetops.  The view gave me peace. Yerkes was a reliable fixture there to greet me. It always amazed my dad, too. When he would talk about the history and importance of Yerkes, he’d also mention how the building was essentially off limits to the public. I’m thrilled that it is now a place open for anyone who has an interest in science, astronomy, architecture, horticulture, and the arts. It is a place where all are welcome to visit and learn. I am amazed to learn something new every time I enter and I hope people will come to learn and experience something new and amazing for themselves.”

Dennis is responsible for the leadership and fundraising for Yerkes Future Foundation and the restoration and relaunch of Yerkes Observatory. He previously led science museums, contemporary art centers, and sculpture parks around the United States. He started his career leading exhibit design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian. Dennis is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and New York University. He lives in Milwaukee with his wife Kelly and a mixed family of five kids, ages 6 to 18.

“It is so exciting to be creating something that doesn’t yet exist anywhere in the world: a center for science and big ideas bringing researchers, artists, writers, poets, photographers, astronomers, and composers together to help us understand the universe and our own place in it. We hope to create a beacon for future generations of scientists to be inspired by. Coolest. Job. Ever.”

Chuck was part of a small group of founding trustees who rallied the community to save Yerkes Observatory for future generations, and worked tirelessly to convince the University of Chicago to hand the institution off to a non-profit he helped establish. An avid lifelong learner and supporter of numerous community causes, Chuck became involved with Yerkes following a storied career leading communications for the McDonald’s Corporation, and as an executive with Burson Marsteller agency.

“Yerkes is again becoming a place of learning where those curious about the universe can share their aspirations and develop their contributions to science.”