Meet the Executive Board

MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

PRESIDENT: Luke Campbell

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

The Rev Up Wellness Black/Green/Oolong tea because it's a combination of different tea to make you feel well and IlliniThon is a combination of a bunch of different people coming together to ensure the wellness of every kid in Illinois.

- Why are you FTK?

I'm FTK for many reasons but the largest two are that every kid deserves a long and happy life and because IlliniThon is an organization filled with incredible hard working people with so much love, and where there is great love, there are always miracles.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

I'm not sure what the ~official~ name is but the one where you pretend to lasso someone and pull them in. The move can also be adjusted to be pulling a fish out of water. 10/10 very customizable and fun dance move.

EXTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT: Madi Timken (illinithon.evp@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

Chai Tea Latte because we are good when it's hot or cold, and being energetic with some sweetness.

- Why are you FTK?

I believe that every child should get as many birthday parties as they can. The miracle kids are superheroes and I just want to support them in any and every way that I can.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

The window-washer.

INTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT: Taylor Peters (illinithon.ivp@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

A cold brew with a shot of espresso because we never run out of energy for our miracle kiddos!

- Why are you FTK?

Childhood is about creating memories and experiences that shape you for the rest of your life, for looking back on when you’re old and in a rocking chair, and for having fun. Childhood is not about long hospital stays, surgeries, or chemotherapy. I am FTK to help kids be kids.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

I tend to say “bad dancing saves lives” because I have no dancing skills whatsoever.

FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT:

Jennifer Goodfriend (illinithon.fvp@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

A chai tea latte because I really like chai tea lattes and I really like IlliniThon (also I basically only get chai tea lattes so my options are limited).

- Why are you FTK?

I am FTK because I think that every kiddo deserves a childhood. Having to spend holidays and birthdays in the hospital is not fun for the kids or their families, so I hope to do anything that I can to make their stay at the hospital more comfortable.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

I am a big fan of raising the roof!

THE EXTERNAL BRANCH

RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR: Amelia Kelly (illinithon.recruitmentteam@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

Something fun with a ton of caffeine because IlliniThon is all hype and fun as HECK.

- Why are you FTK?

I am for the amazing kiddos to give them a childhood filled with more birthdays, more awkward first dates, more Christmas mornings and more tomorrows.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

My rave during rave hour is a solid 10/10.

RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR:

Cristina McCormack (illinithon.recruitmentteam@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

A strawberry refresher because it’s so fun and chill!

- Why are you FTK?

Because each and every kid deserves a chance at a happy and healthy life!

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

I’m a big fan of disco moves.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR:

Hannah Mansfield (illinithon.creativedevelopment@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

Unicorn Frap -- so fun and kid friendly!

- Why are you FTK?

For more birthdays.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

Funky chicken.

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR:

Emma Perona (illinithon.publicrelations@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

Vanilla Bean Frapp because we're sweet and cool.

- Why are you FTK?

IlliniThon allows you to contribute to kids who face more obstacles in a day than what most do in a lifetime, it gives you a new perspective on life, and teaches you to see everyday as a miracle.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

Good ol whip.

THE INTERNAL BRANCH

MORALE DIRECTOR: Bobby Doebler (illinithon.morale@gmail.com)

-If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

A Unicorn Frappuccino because there's so many different parts of IlliniThon to love!

- Why are you FTK?

I'm FTK because I love seeing how much we are able to do for the kids and their families and the impact it has on their lives.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

Definitely the sprinkler!

MORALE DIRECTOR: Abby Knipp (illinithon.morale@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

I don't drink Starbucks but maybe a classic hot chocolate because it makes kids happy!

- Why are you FTK?

BECAUSE LIVES MATTER NO MATTER HOW SMALL.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

It's a surprise!

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR: Jess Gruen (illinithon.operations@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

Very Berry Hibiscus because it's so fun and refreshing just like IlliniThon.

- Why are you FTK?

To help kids smile, see more tomorrows, have a normal childhood and to change lives!

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

Vinny from Jersey Shore's knock, kick down the door, then punch dance move.

SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR: Allie Howard (illinithon.specialevents@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

Chai tea latte.

- Why are you FTK?

I want kids to be able to have a healthy childhood like the one I had.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

The wave!

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Insia Hakim (illinithon.membership@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

Triple mocha frappuccino because there's something in it for everyone!

- Why are you FTK?

I'm FTK because every kid deserves a childhood filled with birthday parties, playing outside, and fun holidays with their families rather than hospital visits.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

The hoedown throwdown routine.

FAMILY RELATIONS DIRECTOR:

Rachael Lihosit (illinithon.familyrelations@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

IlliniThon would definitely be that unicorn frappuccino because both are happy, colorful, and a lot of fun!

- Why are you FTK?

I’m FTK because of all the amazing kids I have met through my job at summer camp. Those kids are my world, and I want to make sure that they, and all children, have amazing hospitals if they ever needed to be treated for an illness.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

I’m a huge fan of the robot. It’s a classic and anyone can do the robot.

HOSPITAL RELATIONS DIRECTOR:

Hannah Wright (illinithon.hospitalrelations@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

Strawberry Acai Refresher.

- Why are you FTK?

For more birthdays!

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

The running man.

THE FINANCIAL BRANCH

FINANCE DIRECTOR: Ashley Denton (illinithon.finance@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

A Unicorn Frappuccino.

- Why are you FTK?

I think every child deserves a comfortable and happy childhood. By giving to St. John’s, we are able to provide that stability for more and more kiddos and their families.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

The "Wave Your Hands in the Air Like You Just Don’t Care."

CORPORATE RELATIONS DIRECTOR:

Maya McMurray (illinithon.corporaterelations@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

IlliniThon would be a Unicorn Frappuccino because it is an organization full of colorful people who have come together to make miracles happen!

- Why are you FTK?

I am FTK because no kid should have to experience childhood stuck in a hospital and those that do should have the opportunity to receive the best care and feel the joy and happiness that every kid deserves.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

The running man!

HOSPITALITY DIRECTOR: Cydney Natzke (illinithon.hospitality@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino because kids love it and it brings out the kid in everyone!

- Why are you FTK?

Because how could you not be FTK, the kids are everything.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

Definitely a huge fist pump kinda girl.

FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR: Kristin Vlach (illinithon.fundraise@gmail.com)

- If IlliniThon was a Starbucks drink what would it be and why?

A mocha because we're sweet with a a quadruple shot of espresso because we have energy and with extra whip cream and chocolate drizzle because we're incredibly extra and in your face in the best way possible.

- Why are you FTK?

I am extremely fortunate to have had the childhood that I did. I grew up a dancer, and I want all children to be able to have the opportunity to dance one day. I'm forever FTK so that every child can have a brighter smile.

- What's your favorite dance move to impress at the Big Event?

I think the Jazz Square is a pretty underrated dance move.