Eight new board members were announced at the 140th Annual Meeting. Pictured (Front row, left to right) Emily Bothfeld, Deldri R. Dugger, Mercedes Fernández, Theodore “Teddy” Umstead Foster. (Bottom Row, left to right) Erinn Kenney, Krenice Ramsey, Christian Sorenson, and Henry Wilkins.
EVANSTON, IL – The McGaw YMCA announced the election of eight new members to its Board of Directors during its 140th Annual Meeting on December 9. The newly elected members join a dedicated volunteer board responsible for guiding the nonprofit’s strategic direction and advancing its mission to serve as a place where meaningful and unexpected connections help build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Elected by the McGaw Y membership, the following individuals will serve three-year terms:
- Emily Bothfeld, education attorney and Partner at Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose
- Deldri R. Dugger, Director of Technology Financial Management for the Cybersecurity division at CNA Insurance
- Mercedes Fernández, Latino Liaison & Minority Language Coordinator at Evanston Township High School (ETHS) District 202
- Theodore “Teddy” Umstead Foster, Vice President of Human Resources at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
- Erinn Kenney, Program Officer on the Gates Foundation’s Philanthropic Partnerships Team
- Krenice Ramsey, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Young, Black & Lit
- Christian Sorensen, Co-owner of Patronage Meats, LLC
- Henry Wilkins, Founder, STEM School Evanston
Detailed biographies of each new board member can be found on the McGaw YMCA website.
During the meeting, McGaw YMCA President & CEO Monique Parsons reflected on the year’s accomplishments. “As I look back on 2025, I see a community that keeps showing up — even when the path is unclear, even when the world feels heavy. I see staff who shoulder heavy responsibilities with strength and grace. I see members and donors who trust us. Volunteers who give their time and their hearts. Residents, families, and young people who remind us why this work matters,” she said.
Parsons highlighted major initiatives, including the Men’s Residence Renovation Project and the capital campaign’s major gift phase—both critical to ensuring safe, affordable housing in Evanston. She also celebrated the Miles That Matter bike ride, honoring outgoing Board Chair Mark Metz and his wife, Noreen Edwards, for their extraordinary 4,100-mile ride across the TransAmerica Trail to raise awareness for the Men’s Residence. “Their journey showed us what commitment looks like in action. When you believe deeply, you move. You act. You put your values into motion,” Parsons said.
The meeting also highlighted McGaw YMCA’s ongoing efforts to fight food insecurity in Evanston. In 2025, the Y’s Food Program provided 129,000 meals to 845 youth—an increase of 18% over 2024—and delivered more than 33,000 pounds of food directly to families, including Thanksgiving dinner kits for 31 households. Parsons emphasized, “We do not let children go hungry — not on our watch.”
Two board members were re-elected to serve a three-year term: Michael Bergmann and Corey Winchester. The Board also announced new officers to serve a one-year term: Michael Bergmann, chair; Katherine Heid, vice chair; Jeremy Yonan, secretary; and Peter Lewis, treasurer. Additionally, the board announced the new Executive Committee Members-at-large: Michael Cornell, Philina King, and Corey Winchester.
The Board also expressed its gratitude to retiring members for their years of service and dedication: Mireya Dominguez, Mark Metz, Allie Payne, Majorie Rallins, and Lisa Yang. Speaking about Metz, who served as the Board’s chair since 2023, Parsons said, “Mark has led with clarity, compassion, and courage. His leadership has strengthened our foundation, inspired our staff, and guided the McGaw YMCA with purpose. Mark, your steady hand and vision have left a lasting impact on our Y and the community we serve.”
Learn more at www.mcgawymca.org.