The nine-member JPF Board of Directors are elected representatives of the JPF membership. JPF holds its elections every September during its annual meeting. Each Director serves a two-year term and each year half of the Board seats are up for re-election.
In June, the Board of Directors asked the membership to consider stepping into a leadership role by submitting themselves as a candidate for a board seat. The following candidates will be on the ballot in September:
President – Maggie Daly Skogsbakken
Treasurer – Katie Hoy Stratton
Directors (2) – Donald Faliszek
Marie MacDonald
Below are the statement of interest and biographies that were submitted by each candidate.
President
Maggie Daly Skogsbakken
Statement of Interest
Eleven years ago I found my perfect brick bungalow about two miles north of where I grew up. Five years ago, I decided to get more involved in our community. I wanted to support my neighborhood and make a positive contribution. After watching some of the online interactions and real life behaviors of some members of our community, I almost gave up. That’s when I came across Jefferson Park Forward.I was excited to find a group that supported civic involvement, diversity, the arts, education, our neighborhood resources, and philanthropy. So, I joined, volunteered, and eventually ran for the group’s Board of Directors. Serving on JPF’s Board has been a privilege. It granted me the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our community, to learn and grow, and to connect with neighbors who I may not have met otherwise. Now, I’m throwing my hat in the ring for President of JPF. It would be an honor to serve as your President. If elected, I will build on the work of JPF’s founding members, past Directors, and everyone in Jefferson Park striving to create a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous community.
Bio
Maggie Daly Skogsbakken is a current Jefferson Park Forward Director and is the organization’s Marketing Committee Chairperson. She is the Chief Communications Officer at Pace Suburban Bus, where she manages public relations, executive and internal communications, and social media. She is honored to serve as a member of Pace’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.Maggie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts & Graphic Design from Columbia College Chicago, a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing & Communications from Roosevelt University, and is studying Public Policy at Northwestern University.Prior to joining the world of public transportation, Maggie worked in newspaper production and small business marketing. She is a native Chicagoan who currently resides in Jefferson Park with her husband, Kris, twin daughters, Alice and Claire, and a very good boy (dog) named Bueller.
Treasurer
Katie Hoy Stratton
Statement of Interest
After serving on the Board as Treasurer for two years, I would appreciate the opportunity to continue my service for another term. During my time as Treasurer, I have worked with the President and other Board Members to develop a working budget to meet the needs of our organization as it has grown. I have also remained a member of the Social Committee, helping to plan the various events that we hold throughout the year. Even though we are living in difficult times and we cannot operate as planned right now, I still wholeheartedly believe that Jefferson Park Forward is an integral part of the community and has a significant role to play in sustaining and revitalizing our community. I want to continue to be a part of that as a member of the board. The mission of JPF to promote positive change in order to create a vibrant and inclusive community is an ideal that I highly value. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue in my role as Treasurer to be a part of striving towards that mission.
Bio
I have lived in Jefferson Park for seven years. My husband and I are the parents of three girls and I am currently a stay-at-home parent. Prior to staying home with my children, I was a Special Education Teacher at a therapeutic day school for 10 years, working with high school students with emotional and developmental disorders.In addition to volunteering with JPF as a member of the Social Committee and as Treasurer on the Board, I am also a member of the Hitch Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA), helping to plan events throughout the school year, including the annual spring fundraiser and the Family Game Night, and previously serving as the 2nd Vice President on the PTA board.
Director
Donald Faliszek
Statement of Interest
I would like to become a larger contributor to JPF and I feel it is a valuable organization that helps bring both a sense of pride and community to the Jefferson Park neighborhood. I hope to impart a feeling of positivity among both residents and businesses to strengthen engagement across all areas of the neighborhood.
Bio
I was born and raised in Jefferson Park and, save for an 11 year sabbatical in Wrigleyville and Rogers Park, have lived here my entire life (58 years). I’m a graduate of Our Lady of Victory, Loyola Academy, and Northwestern University and somehow have managed to work for the same company for 41 years. I’m married with two children and LOVE taking long walks and watching live music.
Director
Marie MacDonald
Statement of Interest
I have now lived in the area for eight years, I like many other residents have their life savings invested here, their homes in Jefferson Park. I want a friendly vibrant community where we can meet friends, go to ice cream shops, coffee shops, sidewalk cafes, parks, theaters, nice bars/restaurants and shopping. We want a place that when we invite friends and family from outside the area that we are proud to share the Jefferson Park experience with. Having said that, I have always believed in being part of the change you want to see.
Bio
I was one of the founding Directors and still work with the Livability and Attractiveness Committee. With the exception of this pandemic year, I have been heavily involved with along with a team of wonderful people doing plantings, weeding, cleaning and lending libraries. I also enjoy volunteering for things both within Jefferson Park and outside. I have no political affiliations or aspirations. The best adjective people that know me would use to describe me would be pragmatic. My goal is working towards a vibrant Jefferson Park for all.
This is just great! JPF has come so far in the past 6 years, from a vision in the minds of a few neighbors to the vibrant organization it has become. I wish you all the very best and thank you for your leadership!