Board of Directors Elects Four New Members

September 28, 2020: Meals on Wheels Chicago (MOWC) is pleased to announce the election of four new members to the MOWC Board of Directors. Cory Morris (Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises), ­­Shannon Murphy (Bluedog Design), Ben Topp (Midwest Care Management Services Inc.), and Elizabeth Turnbaugh (Sazerac | My Charcuterie | Re/Max) have joined the leadership team committed to the financial stewardship of Chicago’s Meals on Wheels program.

“I am thrilled to welcome Cory, Shannon, Ben, and Elizabeth as new Board members,” said Elise Geiger, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Chicago. “They each bring valuable experience to our leadership team along with enthusiasm and a strong commitment to the success of our program. We owe a great deal to all the volunteers that serve on our board. Their hard work and dedication strengthen our ability to serve Chicago seniors and individuals with disabilities who need our help to stay healthy and nourished in their own homes.”

The Meals on Wheels Chicago Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers from a diverse set of fields including finance, law, medical, culinary arts, food and beverage, and public service. It is the Board’s responsibility to provide guidance in the operation of the organization and to raise awareness and funds for the Meals on Wheels Chicago program.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Chef Cory Morris of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises has been bringing his love for Latin American cuisine to some of Chicago’s top restaurants for years, including Mercat a la Planxa, Rural Society, Ronero, Boleo, and most recently as Executive Chef at Nacional 27. Cory has a long history of volunteering with Meals on Wheels Chicago. Having previously served on the MOWC Associate Board, the Celebrity Chef Ball committee, and the MOWC Chef’s Council, Cory has been working hard for years to support the fundraising efforts of Meals on Wheels Chicago.

“Giving back to the community has always been a huge part of my life in Chicago. Now more than ever I think the services MOWC is providing are absolutely essential for our community.”

Shannon Murphy, Partner, Vice President Client Growth Lead at Bluedog Design has practiced marketing and event management for 15 years on behalf of the world’s largest brands. This experience has given her a valuable perspective through the lens of growth strategy development. Shannon has been a longtime supporter of Meals on Wheels Chicago events, and also volunteers her time with Special Olympics of Illinois. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for Cabrini Green Connections Tutor Mentoring program.

“Meals on Wheels Chicago supports the people who have supported us. Seniors have built our culture, nation, community, businesses, safety, families and so much more. They are valued and valuable members of our society who deserve care, attention, and friendship. I love that Meals on Wheels is the ‘front line’ for vulnerable seniors, supporting them holistically.”

Ben Topp is Owner and Managing Director at Midwest Care Management Services, serving various client populations including older adults, special needs students, individuals with mental illnesses, and people with disabilities. He established Midwest Care Management Services in 2010 with a vision of delivering flexible, high-quality guardianship and care management services. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and National Certified Guardian, Ben enjoys working with families and care systems to design comprehensive services that maximize the quality of life for clients.

“Meals on Wheels Chicago is a very important organization. Through my work, I help many frail older adults and implement care plans for them, so I know how vital this program is to keeping people independent and living in their community.” 

Elizabeth Turnbaugh, as a Senior Director of Customer Marketing & Sales Development at Sazerac, built over 15 years of experience leading high-quality teams through sales and marketing innovation, facilitating product commercialization through customer marketing, brand management, and product merchandising. She has repeated success improving organizational brand recognition while maintaining budgetary goals through strategic and tactical planning. Elizabeth also supports Safe Families of Illinois as a host family for children in distressed families, sponsors three children with the World Vision Organization, and volunteers at Feed My Starving Children. Elizabeth also owns and operates My Charcuterie, an artisan shoppe offering the perfect boards, boxes and grazing tables for any occasion, and is a Realtor working for RE/Max and the Leslie McDonnell Team.

“I have a passion for serving others. My in-laws volunteer with Meals on Wheels every week and through their experience I’ve learned how important this program is to those who depend on it. I look forward to assisting the Meals on Wheels Chicago organization in their mission to end hunger and isolation for seniors and individuals with disabilities.”

The Meals on Wheels Chicago Board of Directors

Executive Committee
President: Amy McCarty, Monahan Law Group
Immediate Past President: Veeral Sheth MD, University Retina/University of Illinois at Chicago
Secretary: Elizabeth Bleakley, Bleakley Law LLC
Treasurer: John Gnospelius, J.P.Morgan Chase Bank
DFSS Representative: Nikki Proutsos, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services

Board at Large
Jordan Dalton, Cell-Safe Life Sciences
Larry Feller, Horwood Marcus & Berk Chartered
Anthony Fiore, Open Kitchens
Suneet Lad, Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network
Jennifer McConnell, Alix Partners
Cory Morris, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Shannon Murphy, Blue Dog Design
Kimberly Taylor, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
Ben Topp, Midwest Care Management Services
Elizabeth Turnbaugh, Sazerac | My Charcuterie | Re/Max
James Vogdes IV, Hub International
Aleta Williams, Loquacious Culinary Events