Ignite Welcomes New Board Chair and Members
From left to right: R. Delacy Peters Jr, Lindsey Mullen, Emily Drake, and James A Byrd
CHICAGO, IL — Ignite announced the appointment of R. Delacy Peters Jr., board member and Illinois Top 100 Attorney, to succeed as board chairperson in succession of Lindsey Mullen, Co-Founder and Principal at Prosper Strategies.
As chairperson, Lindsey Mullen focused on the optimization of board committee structure to support the organization's 5-year strategic plan; board member engagement with Ignite’s youth, events; and the recruiting and onboarding new board members to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the organization.
“Serving as board chair has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. I am regularly impressed by Ignite staff, who selflessly show up for our mission each day and who won't stand for anything less than excellence when it comes to providing young people with the resources they need to thrive.” Mullen says, “My words fall short of capturing how amazing the young people who walk through Ignite's doors are -- having overcome obstacles and then going on to achieve their goals. I am grateful for my time as chair and look forward to continuing to serve this wonderful organization.”
Mullen will continue to drive efforts and awareness through the launching of Ignite’s Legacy Council, a dedicated group of past Ignite board members who support Ignite through special projects and will continue to be a part of the organization in an intentional way for years to come.
R. Delacy Peters Jr., an experienced business litigator and transactions attorney and active board member, is eager to continue the growth and vision that Lindsey Mullen and Stephanie Piccirilli, President and CEO, helped initiate with the Board of Directors, staff, and clients. Mr. Peter’s creativity and immense experience with financing, acquisition and joint ventures, as well as essential operational areas such as franchising, marketing, and distribution will be instrumental to Ignite’s evolution and ability to center youth and end youth homelessness. “Delacy is not only a skilled strategic leader, his knowledge of issues that affect Chicago’s youth and the communities in which we support is invaluable as we grow and expand throughout Chicago.” says Stephanie Piccirilli.
As an experienced member of Ignite’s Executive Board, Peters plans to utilize his knowledge and deep understanding of Ignite’s mission and values as the new chair.
“I have served alongside Ignite's incoming chair, Delacy Peters, for two years now. He will bring his deep understanding and years of experience working with the city of Chicago to benefit Ignite. I look forward to seeing what we accomplish under his great leadership.” says Lindsey Mullen. Peters transitioned to Ignite’s Chairperson effective July 1.
Ignite’s Board of Directors continues to grow its reach and ability to lead social change in Chicago in the area of youth homelessness. Ignite is pleased to welcome new member: Emily Drake, the Owner and CEO of The Collective Academy, a leadership development firm that creates programs to help individuals cultivate sustainable leadership skills and organizations build thriving communities and workplace cultures. “Leaders are everywhere,” says Emily and as an extension of her work, she is committed to amplifying the voices we don’t usually hear in the business world.
And newest board member: James A. Byrd, Senior Managing Director, Senior Vice President of one of largest banking solutions in America, The Northern Trust Company. Byrd has a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry and established long-standing relationships with many philanthropy foundations and organizations.
The acumen and ingenuity that Ignite’s Board of Directors brings is truly inspiring—their compassion paired with the drive and insight of Ignite staff will allow the organization to fully expand its reach throughout Chicago, creating equitable pathways and housing options for youth facing homelessness and/or housing instability.