Illinois e-News Release

Donna Leak will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois State Board of Education.* Dr. Donna Leak has a been in education for over thirty years. She has experience teaching at every level from Pre-K thru College and experience within education as an Administrator. She currently serves as the Superintendent for Community Consolidated Schools District 168. As Superintendent she developed one, five-year and long-term strategic planning. She also maintains communications with legislators regarding upcoming K-12 legislation. Dr. Leak is an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University. Preceding her time with District 168, Dr. Leak served as Superintendent for Rich Township High School District 227, Assistant Superintendent- Student Learning and Accountability, Associate Principal at Rich Central High School and Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction with Chicago Public School District 299. Donna Leak is an active member professionally and in her personal life. She is a member of The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Jack and Jill of America and Board of Director for PUSH Excel. Dr. Leak is a member of National Association of State Boards of Education, Council of Urban Boards of Education, Illinois Association of School Administrators, and National Association of Black School Educators. Dr. Donna Leak received her Bachelor of Science from University of Illinois- Chicago, Masters of Education Administration from Governor’s State University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Loyola University.

Jason Lesniewicz will continue to serve as a Trustee on the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board of Trustees.* Lesniewicz brings over a decade of experience as the Director of Cultural Tourism for Choose Chicago. Under his leadership Jason has implemented the Cultural Tourism Strategy for Chicago and was the point person for Choose Chicago’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China. Lesniewicz currently is a Board Member of Chicago Cultural Alliance, where he Co-Chair’s the Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships Committee and MOSAIC Committee, a committee that celebrates and highlights Chicago’s diverse cultural heritage. Jason Lesniewicz received his Bachelor of Arts from University of Illinois at Chicago.

Cherita Ellens will serve as a Member of the Labor Advisory Board.* Cherita Ellens currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Women Employed. She supports and advances the organizations mission to address challenges all women face day-to-day. Prior to her time at Women Employed she was the Executive Vice President of Business Operations and Communications for Skills for Chicagoland’s Future. While in this position she was responsible for executive oversight and strategic direction. Ellens developed and lead strategic initiatives including Youth Employment Initiative and Earned Revenue/Fee for Service. Preceding her time as Executive VP she also served as Vice President of Business Operations and Communications. Cherita Ellens received her Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University, an Executive Fundraising Certificate from Indiana University School of Philanthropy, and an Executive Master of Business Administration from The University of Notre Dame.

Mary Huffman will serve as a Member of the Illinois State Medical Board.* Dr. Mary Huffman had a twenty-five year career as an Art Director and Senor Designer before changing careers to become a Physician. Dr. Huffman currently serves as a Chiropractic Physician at ChrioMedica. While in this role she has established an evidence-based chiropractic and functional rehabilitation clinic in downtown Chicago. She was chosen by Northwestern Memorial Hospital physicians to be the voice of chiropractic medicine at various lectures, conferences, and other educational seminars. In addition to her time at ChiroMedica, Dr. Huffman is a board member and President at Illinois Chiropractic Society. She coordinated and produced an early COVID-19 communication series which included CDC, OSHA, IDPH guidelines, to encourage compliance and safety for physicians and staff. Dr. Huffman participates in many professional organizations include Illinois Chiropractic Society, Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, and International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. Dr. Mary Huffman received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southwest Missouri State University, Bachelor of Science from Loyola University and National University of Health Sciences, and her Doctorate of Chiropractic from National University of Health Sciences.