The Auxiliary Board plays an essential role in the continued success of Youth Outreach Services through their fundraising efforts. Each year the Auxiliary Board hosts events that serve two purposes; increasing awareness about Chicago’s at-risk youth, and raising funds for YOS programs.

The Auxiliary Board has successfully contributed thousands of dollars to YOS, and without their volunteer efforts these funds may have gone unrealized. The contributions made possible through the Auxiliary Board have allowed YOS to increase its reach and quality of programs.

As YOS Auxiliary Board members, young professionals have the unique ability to:

• learn directly from Rick Velasquez, YOS’ executive director and YOS' Board of Directors
• gain access to quality training in non-profit leadership and fundraising
• grow leadership, problem solving, and management skills, while helping Chicago’s youth realize their own.

Submit your application to become a YOS Auxiliary Board Member!

AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS

Plamen Martinov, Co-President

Plamen Martinov is the Lead Data Security Engineer at the University of Chicago’s Medical Center. He also owns his own information technology company, Certified IT Consulting, which provides webhosting, domain registration, and quality customer support solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises.

As Co-President of YOS' Auxiliary Board, Mr. Martinov has been instrumental in establishing board infrastructure and sustainability. With an MBA in Healthcare Administration and a BAS in Security Engineering he has helped to implement a sustainable strategy for the Auxiliary Board.

Mr. Martinov has served on the YOS Auxiliary Board since August of 2010 and took the seat of Co-President in July of 2011. He is particularly interested in the importance of mentoring and has helped support YOS programs through several fundraisers.

Johanna Spellmen, Co-President

Johanna Spellman is an associate in the Chicago office of Latham & Watkins. Before joining Latham, Ms. Spellman served as judicial clerk for the Honorable Richard D. Cudahy of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

While attending Yale Law School, Ms. Spellman was a member of the Yale Law Journal and an Executive Editor of the Yale Journal on Regulation.

Ms. Spellman has shared her talents and passion for youth with YOS' Auxiliary Board for several years. As Co-President Ms. Spellman has played a pivotal role in the long term success of the Auxiliary Board, has launched several successful fundraisers, and is actively involved in spreading awareness about Chicago's most vulnerable youth.

Robert Linn

Eric Richmond

Eric Richmond, Commercial Insurance Broker with Hicks Insurance Group, joined YOS’ Auxiliary Board because of his dedication to at-risk youth. Before joining he served as a tutor at elementary Schoolmentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and as the Director of Oakland Elementary after school tutoring program. His experience as a Fund Development Committee member on the Board of Directors at Neighborhood Service Council prepared him to serve as an Auxiliary Board Member with YOS.

With a Bachelors in Business Management from Purdue University Krannert School of Management Mr. Richmond brings a valuable skill set to YOS. However it is his passion and hands on experience in supporting youth that allows him to thrive as an Auxiliary Board member “Many at-risk youth do not have the same opportunities that others have and do not receive the same support and encouragement. Working with at-risk youth and showing them that they can be successful has a direct impact on the path they choose and their success."

Curtis Iorio

Curtis Iorio, Sales and Marketing Account Executive with United States Liability Insurance Group, joined YOS’ Auxiliary Board because of his dedication to at-risk youth. After attending a Heart of the Matter Awards ceremony Curtis was moved by the impact that the counsellors had on the individual that they were working with. This prompted him to take a place on the YOS Auxiliary Board.

With his Bachelor of Science and Marketing degree from Cabrini College in Radnor P.A. Curtis brings an interesting outlook to YOS. Throughout college Curtis spent time volunteering at an afterschool program for at risk youth. He has also volunteered as a Big Brother for the past 3 years. Curtis believes that working with young individuals and providing a positive influence can lead them in the right direction and provide long term individual and professional success.

Kene Ezeoke

Kene Ezeoke is a sales and marketing manager for Silverline CRM. Prior to joining Silverline CRM, she worked at a leading global education consulting company in New York where she was in client relations and also managed the technology needs of the company.

Ms. Ezeoke attended Stony Brook University, in New York where she studied biology. During her time in college she was a tutor. She says that she wants to contribute to the success of an organization that supports disadvantaged young people and provides opportunities to help them improve themselves and that is why she joined the YOS Auxiliary board.

Ms. Ezeoke especially passionate about the role education plays in helping young people lift themselves higher than the circumstances they began in. She continues to work in an advising role for another non-profit focused on science and tech education in developing countries.

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Carrie Woltman
Spencer Coates
Tracy Hendrixson
Matt Movall
Justin Petzold
Matt Puglisi
Aly Sivji
Shavonne Tate
Christopher Yoo

For more information, please contact Jeffrey Roth, Philanthropy Coordinator
773.777.7112 x7274
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Looking to support our Auxiliary Board? Download our Sponsorship Packet for more information.