Board of Directors

Vice President, Digital, Global Acquisition, Alliance, Divestiture and Supply Chain, Pfizer, Inc.  

Michelle brings over two decades of corporate leadership with extensive experience in simultaneous complex, large, global initiatives centered around digital transformation in the healthcare space. 

Michelle’s global experience is of great value to the Chasing Hope Foundation, as she has been part of early-stage identification, conception, marketing, estimation and launch of such initiatives including assembling the right team and environment for success across a broad portfolio.  

A graduate of Millikin University, Michelle received her M.B.A. from DePaul University. Michelle holds an impressive record of hiking some of the most beautiful and historic trails and mountains in the United States and shows no signs of slowing any time soon. 

Michelle is the mother of two daughters, four cats and resides in the Chicago suburbs. 

 Treasurer

 As head of The Lawless Advisory Group at Creative Planning, LLC, Chuck excels in managing assets for individuals and provides retirement plan consulting services for organizations. Chuck joined the industry in 1996 and prides himself on more than 28 years of strong relationships and helping investors and institutions grow and thrive. 

Known throughout professional and personal networks as a man of integrity, humility and generosity, Chuck has been deeply involved in enhancing the lives of others.  Through Chuck’s guidance and support, countless organizations and individuals can view their challenges in the rearview mirror. 

Chuck is a proud Eagle Scout, passing his passion for scouting on to his two sons, who also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Chuck is a distinguished alum of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina and leads alumni efforts throughout the Midwest. Chuck and his wife, Jenny, have three children and divide their time between Chicago and Charleston, South Carolina.  

Any person in need of encouragement, inspiration, a laugh or even a good cigar should schedule time with Chuck.

Director of Sales, Clown Global Brands 

 Molly brings her passion for people and projects to the Chasing Hope Foundation following an award-winning career in hospitality excellence.  Molly’s unique ability to collaborator with a successful track record developing and implementing highly profitable sales and marketing programs enhances our partnerships with stakeholders. 

As a member of the James Beard Foundation, Molly truly understands what goes into creating something of value from the beginning, as well as fostering a culture of excellence. 

Molly graduated from Miami University with a B.A. in Marketing and received a Diplome d’Excellence in French Language and Literature from Sorbonne Universite’. 

Molly’s commitment to serving our nation’s military men and women runs deep:  Molly is the proud daughter of a retired Marine, in addition to the very proud mother of her twin boys, both of whom are active-duty Marines.  She has also worked with Wounded Warriors and multiple other organizations that support veterans.   

Molly calls the Chicago suburbs home and has accepted that her friends insist that ‘molly’ is a verb.  

Immediate Past President 

Eric’s expertise in executive coaching and development provides invaluable direction for the Chasing Hope Foundation.   

In addition to Eric’s private executive and leadership coaching practice, Eric taught and coached high-impact teams enrolled at the Kellogg School of Management's Executive MBA Program.  In this capacity, Eric served as a career coach for Kellogg's Global Alumni Network, each of these positions allowing Eric to shape the leadership development of talented professionals at different stages of their careers. 

Eric’s academic acumen is significant and impressive: He received a M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management; was selected an English-Speaking Union Scholar at the University of Oxford, Exeter College; earned a M.A. in Humanities from the University of Chicago and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Denison University with a B.A. in History.
As a cancer survivor, Eric brings a deep sense of meaning and focus to his work.  Having profound gratitude for wellness, empathy for others who are enduring treatment and understands the journey as only one who has come through the other side can.  Eric’s commitment to easing the distress of others is a gift to all those who know him. 

Eric and his wife are parents to two adult children and call the Chicago suburbs home.
 

Founder

 Christine was inspired to create the Chasing Hope Foundation through her experience with her eldest son’s autism and related disorders.  Upon realizing that families like hers were finding the same obstacles to care, treatment and support, Christine set out to create what she needed for her family:  local solutions, clear expectations, high standards, like-minded partners, educated lawmakers and honest conversations. 

A public policy nerd from way back, Christine’s background as a legislative assistant came in handy when she encountered obstacles in pursuit of her son’s treatment.  Reaching out to legislators and sharing her story, Christine joined ranks with fellow advocates to modify public policy regarding special education, insurance coverage and children’s mental health.
 Wanting to help others in her situation, Christine wrote Chasing Hope: Your Compass for a New Normal, Navigating the World of the Special Needs Child published in May of 2014. This is the book Christine needed yet could not find.  Written with humor, candor, the book offers genuine solutions for families struggling for answers.  

Professionally, Christine was on the faculty of Lake Forest College from 2017-2024, teaching courses in public policy, American government, Congress, Legal Studies and Disabilities in the Classroom. During her final two years, Christine was part of the team that launched Public Policy Studies.  This included offering a minor in public policy, creating the annual Public Policy Analysis Challenge and mentoring students pursuing careers in public policy.
 From 1995-2002, Christine was part of the Business Sales organization of Tiffany & Co., as a sales executive and then a regional manager. During that time, Christine was awarded Rookie of the Year and won Winner's Circle status for sales achievement for two consecutive years.
 True to her nature, Christine spent nearly a decade politics and government, working for appointed and elected officials and candidates in Washington, D.C., Illinois and Ohio. Prior to joining the faculty of Lake Forest College, Christine made the decision to focus her energy and effort on her three young children. 

Christine holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University and graduated from Lake Forest College with a B.A. in Politics.  Christine and her husband, Dave, have three adult children who live throughout the Midwest. A true trivia nerd, Christine was on Jeopardy!, leaving the stage with only a great story.