Board of Directors
Jim Bennett, President
Jim Bennett is the Chief Development Officer for Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and people with HIV. He is responsible for expanding Lambda Legal’s organizational reach in ten states with a focus on strategic planning, financial development, and educational and media efforts.
Jim has over 20 years of not-for-profit leadership experience. In 2005, he led the Katrina Relief Project, an initiative with Heartland Alliance, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, the City of Chicago and other key service agencies, to create and implement a comprehensive resettlement plan for 2,685 families that relocated to Chicago from New Orleans.
Prior to 2005, Jim served as the Marketing and Development Director for the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law where he led and managed the organization’s brand identity project and comprehensive giving program. From 1989 to 1999, he led development, marketing and programmatic (disaster, health) departments and initiatives through leadership positions at the American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter and the American Red Cross national headquarters.
A long-time member of Broadway United Methodist Church, Jim has advocated locally and nationwide for full inclusion of the LGBT community in the Methodist denomination.
Jim holds an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois and a B.S. from Illinois State University. He also graduated from the Second City Conservatory and is in a civil union with Dr. Terry Vanden Hoek.
Jim has over 20 years of not-for-profit leadership experience. In 2005, he led the Katrina Relief Project, an initiative with Heartland Alliance, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, the City of Chicago and other key service agencies, to create and implement a comprehensive resettlement plan for 2,685 families that relocated to Chicago from New Orleans.
Prior to 2005, Jim served as the Marketing and Development Director for the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law where he led and managed the organization’s brand identity project and comprehensive giving program. From 1989 to 1999, he led development, marketing and programmatic (disaster, health) departments and initiatives through leadership positions at the American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter and the American Red Cross national headquarters.
A long-time member of Broadway United Methodist Church, Jim has advocated locally and nationwide for full inclusion of the LGBT community in the Methodist denomination.
Jim holds an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois and a B.S. from Illinois State University. He also graduated from the Second City Conservatory and is in a civil union with Dr. Terry Vanden Hoek.
Robert Dunn, Vice President
Robert Dunn serves as Chief Risk Officer and Investment Committee member for MCP Alternative Asset Partners, a global asset management firm specializing in hedge fund investments. He has been with MCP since 2005 and previously held senior investment positions with several financial firms in the Chicago area.
Robert earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, along with a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago.
He became interested in refugee issues after following media reports highlighting the plight of refugees in 2014 and 2015. Robert and his wife Kelley got involved with RefugeeOne when they co-sponsored the resettlement of a family from Myanmar and witnessed the impact the process had on the family. He joined RefugeeOne’s Board of Directors in November 2016.
Robert and his wife Kelley live in Clarendon Hills. They have three adult children.
Robert earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, along with a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago.
He became interested in refugee issues after following media reports highlighting the plight of refugees in 2014 and 2015. Robert and his wife Kelley got involved with RefugeeOne when they co-sponsored the resettlement of a family from Myanmar and witnessed the impact the process had on the family. He joined RefugeeOne’s Board of Directors in November 2016.
Robert and his wife Kelley live in Clarendon Hills. They have three adult children.
Debbie Kobak-Nielsen, Treasurer
Debbie Kobak-Nielsen is vice president of commercial and institutional banking at MB Financial Bank. Debbie's 10 years in banking has focused on the needs of nonprofit organizations and particularly the alignment of financial and social return.
Her interest and engagement with human rights and international development spans more than twenty years. Before she became a banker, she worked in the non-profit sector for a number of non-profit policy research organizations in Washington, D.C. and Chicago including the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, World Resources Institute, Global Chicago, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Debbie earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Michigan and her Master’s degree in International Development from the American University in Washington, D.C.
Debbie joined RefugeeOne’s Board of Directors in January 2014. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two children.
Her interest and engagement with human rights and international development spans more than twenty years. Before she became a banker, she worked in the non-profit sector for a number of non-profit policy research organizations in Washington, D.C. and Chicago including the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, World Resources Institute, Global Chicago, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Debbie earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Michigan and her Master’s degree in International Development from the American University in Washington, D.C.
Debbie joined RefugeeOne’s Board of Directors in January 2014. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two children.
Laura Coplan, Secretary
Laura Coplan has volunteered for RefugeeOne since 2011, both as a Women’s Mentor and in the office. She found working with refugees rewarding and fulfilling, and became interested in improving the lives of refugees by serving on the Board of Directors.
Laura worked as a consultant in health care management for Ernst & Young and for Children’s Memorial Medical Center before staying at home to raise her family. She has been involved in volunteering at numerous not-for-profit organizations including Chicago Botanic Garden, Am Shalom Congregation, and Junior Kindergarten.
Laura received a BBA from The University of Iowa and a MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She enjoys gardening, yoga, and travel. She and her husband reside in the northern suburbs and have three adult children.
Laura worked as a consultant in health care management for Ernst & Young and for Children’s Memorial Medical Center before staying at home to raise her family. She has been involved in volunteering at numerous not-for-profit organizations including Chicago Botanic Garden, Am Shalom Congregation, and Junior Kindergarten.
Laura received a BBA from The University of Iowa and a MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She enjoys gardening, yoga, and travel. She and her husband reside in the northern suburbs and have three adult children.
Allan Allweiss
Allan Allweiss is a Senior Managing Director with LBC Credit Partners, a leading provider of middle market financing solutions. He has more than 25 years’ experience in various senior management positions in the banking and credit industry.
Allan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Lawrence University, along with a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Wisconsin.
Allan got involved in RefugeeOne beginning in 2014 owing to his growing concern for the safety, health and well-being of refugees. Allan joined RefugeeOne’s Board of Directors in November 2015. He and his wife Emily live in Northbrook and have two grown children.
Allan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Lawrence University, along with a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Wisconsin.
Allan got involved in RefugeeOne beginning in 2014 owing to his growing concern for the safety, health and well-being of refugees. Allan joined RefugeeOne’s Board of Directors in November 2015. He and his wife Emily live in Northbrook and have two grown children.
Nathan Brown
Nathan Brown is a Managing Director at Wind Point Partners, a private equity firm that partners with executives to acquire and maximize the potential of middle-market businesses. Nathan joined Wind Point in 1997 and was promoted to Managing Director in 2004.
Nathan holds a BA in Philosophy from Queen’s University, with Distinction. He received his MBA with honors from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business.
Nathan became aware of RefugeeOne through Kenilworth Union Church. His first hands-on experience came in 2015, when his family partnered with other church members to co-sponsor 6 refugees from South Sudan. Helping them settle into the U.S. was a fantastic experience for his entire family and they especially cherished the bond they formed with the children. In 2016, Wind Point Partners formed a Mentor Team for a Congolese family. The experience has been a great team- and culture-building opportunity for employees.
Nathan and his wife, Barbara, have been living in the Chicago area for 20 years. They currently reside in Winnetka with their three children.
Nathan holds a BA in Philosophy from Queen’s University, with Distinction. He received his MBA with honors from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business.
Nathan became aware of RefugeeOne through Kenilworth Union Church. His first hands-on experience came in 2015, when his family partnered with other church members to co-sponsor 6 refugees from South Sudan. Helping them settle into the U.S. was a fantastic experience for his entire family and they especially cherished the bond they formed with the children. In 2016, Wind Point Partners formed a Mentor Team for a Congolese family. The experience has been a great team- and culture-building opportunity for employees.
Nathan and his wife, Barbara, have been living in the Chicago area for 20 years. They currently reside in Winnetka with their three children.
Rebecca Carlins
Born in Rangoon, Burma, Rebecca Carlins spent her early childhood there before immigrating to the United States in 1971 with her parents, brother and sister. Her family settled in Skokie, Illinois. She went on to graduate from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology, then on to graduate from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. From 1988 to 1993, Rebecca served as a Litigation Associate for Rooks, Pitts and Poust, in Chicago. From 1993 to 1999, she was an attorney in the Division of Enforcement at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Midwest Regional Office in Chicago.
Rebecca spends her free time traveling, running, biking, doing yoga and volunteering with a variety of Chicago philanthropic organizations. Rebecca has been a tremendous supporter of RefugeeOne since 2009, co-chairing 4 of our most successful galas.
Rebecca spends her free time traveling, running, biking, doing yoga and volunteering with a variety of Chicago philanthropic organizations. Rebecca has been a tremendous supporter of RefugeeOne since 2009, co-chairing 4 of our most successful galas.
Steven Dyme
Steven Dyme is co-founder & CEO of Flowers for Dreams, a Chicago-based flower service that was recently named one of Business Insider’s Most Inspiring Companies in America for its innovative business model.
Steven is considered one of the leading voices on social enterprise in Chicago, having served on Governor Pat Quinn’s Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise as well as becoming one of the first 30 B Corps in the state of Illinois.
Steven was an outspoken advocate for the #RefugeesWelcome campaign, writing a powerful op-ed entitled “Why my Chicago company supports refugees” in the Chicago Sun-Times as a direct response to the Illinois Governor’s proposed ban on Syrian refugees entering the state in 2016.
Steven is considered one of the leading voices on social enterprise in Chicago, having served on Governor Pat Quinn’s Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise as well as becoming one of the first 30 B Corps in the state of Illinois.
Steven was an outspoken advocate for the #RefugeesWelcome campaign, writing a powerful op-ed entitled “Why my Chicago company supports refugees” in the Chicago Sun-Times as a direct response to the Illinois Governor’s proposed ban on Syrian refugees entering the state in 2016.
Oi Eng-Crandus
Oi Eng-Crandus is currently Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising at Essendant, a leading distributor of workplace essentials. She previously held positions in strategy, finance, and business development at Sears and BP Amoco and began her career in banking.
Having immigrated to the States from Hong Kong as a child, Oi understands the struggles immigrants face and looks forward to helping RefugeeOne accomplish its mission. In addition, she has non-profit experience from having served on the Board at Temple Judea Mizpah and volunteering in a variety of organizations.
Oi earned her M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and her Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She lives in Park Ridge with her husband and two sons.
Having immigrated to the States from Hong Kong as a child, Oi understands the struggles immigrants face and looks forward to helping RefugeeOne accomplish its mission. In addition, she has non-profit experience from having served on the Board at Temple Judea Mizpah and volunteering in a variety of organizations.
Oi earned her M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and her Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She lives in Park Ridge with her husband and two sons.
Jay Gratz
Jay M. Gratz, a certified Public Accountant, brings extensive financial experience with a wide-range of financial issues to RefugeeOne.
Jay served most recently as Chief Financial Officer of VisTracks, Inc., and previously as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ryerson Inc. (a metals processor and distributor), and President of Ryerson Coil Processing Division. Jay served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and in various other positions of Inland Steel Industries since 1975. Jay currently serves on the Board of Directors for the TrexCompany (a public company global leading provider of composite decking) and the Samuel, Son & Co. Ltd (the leading privately-held North American metal distributor and processor).
Jay received a B.A. in economics from State University of New York in Buffalo and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Jay served most recently as Chief Financial Officer of VisTracks, Inc., and previously as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ryerson Inc. (a metals processor and distributor), and President of Ryerson Coil Processing Division. Jay served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and in various other positions of Inland Steel Industries since 1975. Jay currently serves on the Board of Directors for the TrexCompany (a public company global leading provider of composite decking) and the Samuel, Son & Co. Ltd (the leading privately-held North American metal distributor and processor).
Jay received a B.A. in economics from State University of New York in Buffalo and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Elias Kasongo
Elias Kasongo was a student in the Congo when he had to flee for his life at the age of 22. After four years moving between refugee camps, he was resettled by RefugeeOne and the Congregational Church of Park Manor in 1994.
Although his journey was challenging, Elias has accomplished much in the U.S. Less than two months after his arrival, RefugeeOne helped him get a job on the cleaning crew at the Eli's Cheesecake Company. Now, 20 years later, he is the Purchasing and Materials Manager at Eli’s, responsible for purchasing many millions of dollars each year.
While working fulltime, Elias earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management at Northeastern Illinois University. He, his wife, and their three children recently bought a home in River Grove.
Although his journey was challenging, Elias has accomplished much in the U.S. Less than two months after his arrival, RefugeeOne helped him get a job on the cleaning crew at the Eli's Cheesecake Company. Now, 20 years later, he is the Purchasing and Materials Manager at Eli’s, responsible for purchasing many millions of dollars each year.
While working fulltime, Elias earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management at Northeastern Illinois University. He, his wife, and their three children recently bought a home in River Grove.
Clare Kralovec
Clare Kralovec is a partner at Kralovec McClain, LLC, a law firm focusing on employment and labor law, as well as general civil litigation and business drafting.
Clare is a longtime champion for refugee resettlement. As a member of First Congregational Church of Western Springs, she has helped settle families from Vietnam, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iraq, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Syria.
Clare earned her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her BA in English Literature from the University of Illinois. In addition to many years spent in the private practice of law, she served as a law clerk to two federal judges, taught Civil Liberties, trained as a mediator, and served as President of Tallgrass Land Conservation. Clare is extremely active in her community, church and local school, serving on numerous boards and in volunteer and leadership roles.
Clare lives in Western Springs with her husband, the Rev. Rich Kirchherr, and whichever of her three kids are rotating through on school vacations.
Clare is a longtime champion for refugee resettlement. As a member of First Congregational Church of Western Springs, she has helped settle families from Vietnam, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iraq, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Syria.
Clare earned her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her BA in English Literature from the University of Illinois. In addition to many years spent in the private practice of law, she served as a law clerk to two federal judges, taught Civil Liberties, trained as a mediator, and served as President of Tallgrass Land Conservation. Clare is extremely active in her community, church and local school, serving on numerous boards and in volunteer and leadership roles.
Clare lives in Western Springs with her husband, the Rev. Rich Kirchherr, and whichever of her three kids are rotating through on school vacations.
Douglas Meyer
Rev. Douglas Meyer recently retired after 40 years as an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For the last 25 years he served as Co-Pastor with his wife of Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Lincolnshire, Illinois, a congregation which actively co-sponsored the resettlement of three refugee families.
Pastor Doug earned his Bachelor degree from Augustana College in Rock Island and his Divinity degree from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He previously served parishes on Chicago’s southside and in the southwest suburbs. Over the years he has served in a variety of community and synodical capacities including as Dean of the North Conference of the Metro Chicago Synod and Chair of the Synodical Outreach Committee. He previously served on the RefugeeOne board from 2010-2016 including years as board secretary and president.
Pastor Doug is married to the Rev. Christine Meyer and lives in Galena, Illinois. They have three grown sons.
Pastor Doug earned his Bachelor degree from Augustana College in Rock Island and his Divinity degree from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He previously served parishes on Chicago’s southside and in the southwest suburbs. Over the years he has served in a variety of community and synodical capacities including as Dean of the North Conference of the Metro Chicago Synod and Chair of the Synodical Outreach Committee. He previously served on the RefugeeOne board from 2010-2016 including years as board secretary and president.
Pastor Doug is married to the Rev. Christine Meyer and lives in Galena, Illinois. They have three grown sons.
Felice Weinberg Nelson
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Felice Weinberg Nelson is the president of Weinberg Hosiery Co., a family-owned company on the near South Side of Chicago founded by her father. Felice has been an integral part of her family’s business since 1986, and believes in giving back to the community that has fostered it for 69 years.
A first generation American, Felice knows firsthand the resilience and resourcefulness brought to the U.S. by its diverse refugee and immigrant communities. Working with RefugeeOne was a natural fit as she sought to support the needs of Chicago’s refugee population. Felice has previously volunteered with JUF, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, GirlForward, Skokie School District 28 ELL Center, Youth for Understanding, and Northbrook School District 28. Felice and her husband Richard have 4 grown children and live in Chicago. |
Bob Nichol
Bob Nichol is Senior Vice President at PNC Equipment Finance, a subsidiary of PNC Bank. He has worked in the lending industry for over 25 years.
Bob’s involvement with Refugee One began with co-sponsoring refugee families through his congregation, First Congregational Church of Western Springs.
Bob earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University, and his M.B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago.
Bob and his wife reside in Western Springs with their three kids.
Bob’s involvement with Refugee One began with co-sponsoring refugee families through his congregation, First Congregational Church of Western Springs.
Bob earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University, and his M.B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago.
Bob and his wife reside in Western Springs with their three kids.
Steve Pairolero
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Steven Pairolero, Certified Executive Chef, is Vice President of Food & Beverage for Rivers Casino Des Plaines, bringing nearly 40 years of related experience to the position.
Steve became involved with RefugeeOne after joining Rivers in 2014. He has partnered with RefugeeOne in hiring and transitioning 49 refugees into Rivers Casino’s workforce in jobs such as Stewarding and Environmental Services. Additionally, Rivers Casino has proudly promoted 15 refugee team members from their initial entry level positions into professions that will give them a foundation for a lifetime of success. Steve has a passion and dedication to supporting the community and the people it serves. His past board experiences include support of local college, vocational and high school programs, culinary organizations, and scouting. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York and was certified as an Executive Chef with the American Culinary Federation in 1996. |
Scott Pollock
Scott Pollock is the founder of Scott D. Pollock and Associates, a Chicago-based law firm specializing in immigration and nationality law. He has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as the Supreme Courts of Illinois and New York. Through his career, he has concentrated on the legal issues that refugees and asylees face: before founding his firm, he worked as the director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago Immigration and Refugee Legal Services.
Scott is a member of the pro-bono immigration law clinic he co-founded through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services in 1997. He served on the RefugeeOne board from 2002-2007 and returned in January 2014. He attended Antioch College, where he studied English Literature, and Brooklyn Law School. He lives in Chicago with his wife and their two children.
Scott is a member of the pro-bono immigration law clinic he co-founded through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services in 1997. He served on the RefugeeOne board from 2002-2007 and returned in January 2014. He attended Antioch College, where he studied English Literature, and Brooklyn Law School. He lives in Chicago with his wife and their two children.
