Executive Board

Brian Duffy

Profession: Commercial Real Estate
Member Since: 2015

Brian joined Cushman & Wakefield’s Chicago office during the summer of 2014 after graduating from University of Chicago. As a young up-and-comer at Cushman & Wakefield, in just five years Brian has been responsible for over 100 lease transactions valued at over $375M in total transaction value. He advises clients ranging in size from 900 to 250,000 square feet and in industries from professional services to law firms to tech start-ups. In addition to driving expertise in his local Chicago market, Brian also helps to manage several domestic and global office portfolios ranging in size from 10 to 350 locations.

Outside of the real estate transactions, Brian co-launched the Chicago chapter of Cushman & Wakefield Future Leaders (CWFL) in 2018 that is now over 100 members strong. He currently serves as Co-Chair for the Lurie Children’s Hospital Children’s Research Fund Junior Board (CRFJB) that brings together 75 young business leaders from around Chicago to raise $250,000 through biannual capital campaigns funding pediatric medical research.

Katie Lyons

Profession: Attorney
Member Since: 2016

I joined CRFJB because my dear friend, Casey, was treated at Children's Memorial Hospital and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is therefore a cause near and dear to myself and those that miss her every day. Though initially joining the board to give back to such a worthy cause, I have remained actively involved on the executive board because I have made such great friends who share a common love of fundraising and fun!

Jackie Hartz

Profession: Sales Executive
Member Since: 2014

Andrea Georgantas

Profession: Financial Analyst
Member Since: 2017

Nick Rockwell

Profession: Commodity Risk Analyst
Member Since: 2018

I joined the Children's Research Fund Junior Board because I wanted to get more involved in philanthropic activity and having attended many CRFJB events it seemed like a great way to do so. The one thing that really stood out to me about the board is that we get to vote on then sponsor a specific researcher for a two year period. This allows the board to be involved in a wide variety of causes over time while still being able to see specific progress being done in those individual causes. It only took me one year to realize that joining the board was a great decision and I decided to get more involved by joining the Executive Board!

Elizabeth Conner

Profession:
Member Since: 2018

Brittany Garlenski

Profession: Epidemiologist/Study Management Associate
Member Since: 2018

CRFJB is so special because we provide our researcher with support for research hours and the outcome of that data may impact the lives of future children. Being on the CRFJB and collaborating with Lurie’s has been a seamless and wonderful experience, one which I hope to help expand throughout the upcoming years.

John Dana

Profession: Private Banker
Member Since: 2014

I was personally affected by a pediatric illness that struck a family member. I joined the board in order to support fundraising efforts to allow other children to experience the same positive outcome my family experienced.

Taylor Zentner

Profession:
Member Since: 2018

Matt Brady

Profession: Institutional Investment Management
Member Since: 2019

The Children’s Research Fund Junior Board is a very impactful, targeted organization and the targeted aspect is one of the reasons why I joined this board in particular. The funding we generate throughout the year goes specifically to one doctor that we have selected and sponsored to carry out research to ultimately support children. Being able to see directly where the funding goes was a huge draw for myself. It makes the work very rewarding. I am thrilled and humbled to be a part of this wonderful organization.

Claire Blessum

Profession: Marketing & Events
Member Since: 2019

Dane Hites

Profession: Technology Solutions Analyst
Member Since: 2019

A native of Oklahoma City, Dane Hites came to Chicago in 2016 and currently works as a Technology Solutions Business Analyst for Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm. Dane has spent the last two years spearheading Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging initiatives at the firm. He is a founding member and National Secretary of UNITY, the LGBTQ+ Allies employee resource group (ERG); implemented preferred gender pronouns in corporate email signatures; and advises different ERGs on best practices and programming.

Dane is extremely involved in the Chicago community, serving on the board of Proud2Run Chicago and the Children’s Research Fund Junior Board of Lurie Children’s Hospital. He also logs many volunteer hours at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Ronald McDonald House, Howard Brown Health, Breakthrough Ministries and Center on Halsted. Dane studied history and business at Oklahoma Baptist University and enjoys concerts, cooking, and gardening.

Ayeesha Patel

Profession: Public Finance - Investment Banking
Member Since: 2018

I joined the board as I am passionate about pediatric research and want to be able to make an impact on children in my community. It’s also a way for me to support innovative research that is bringing us one step closer to finding cures. Being on the board has also allowed me to meet so many young professionals in Chicago who bring the same passion and enthusiasm to the cause!

Erika Katz

Profession: Junior Kindergarten Teacher (Latin School of Chicago)
Member Since: 2017

I have always wanted to join a volunteer organization, and when I attended an event that CRFJB put on, I knew I had found the perfect fit. I work with children every day, and have seen the tremendous impact that Lurie Children’s Hospital has had on them. I love being part of an organization that supports pediatric research in such a positive way. By being on the board, I get the opportunity to see this research come to life!

Merideth Segovia

Profession:
Member Since: 2019