The Education Foundation of Downers Grove Grade School District 58 announces the appointment of new board officers to its Board of Directors. The new appointments are President Janet Alikpala, Vice President David Olsen and Secretary Tina Messmer-King. The Foundation also announced the reappointment of Treasurer Karoline Kellam.
The Education Foundation of Downers Grove Grade School District 58 leads fundraising initiatives to provide District 58’s 13 schools with additional resources to support learning. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance student academic and skill development, encourage educational innovation and creativity, and encourage school/community partnership.
“As District 58’s new superintendent, I have been very impressed with the Education Foundation’s commitment to District 58 students,” said District 58 Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell. “The Foundation has very strong leadership, and I welcome the opportunity to work alongside the new appointees. Each of these individuals’ deep professional backgrounds and passionate commitment to education and programming will bring insightful perspectives to our Board.”
The Foundation’s Board of Directors comprises diverse business professionals and community members who are passionate about supporting the Foundation’s mission. Meet the Foundation’s new Board of Directors:
President Janet Alikpala, who is CEO and coFounder of KOHA, LLC, has been actively involved as a board member and officer in the Education Foundation for five years. Prior to joining the Foundation board, Alikpala has successfully led board development and fundraising campaigns for nonprofit organizations such as Mercy Home for Boys Girls, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, the Dominick’s Charitable Foundation and most recently, the Indian Boundary YMCA as an Event Committee member. Alikpala is also an alumna of District 58, having attended Kingsley, Whittier and O’Neill schools. She and her family reside in Downers Grove and have two children who attend school at nearby St. Mary of Gostyn.
Vice President David Olsen is the director of state affairs for the Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois and, most recently, held the position of Illinois state representative for the 81st District from 2016-2019. Olsen has served as vice chairman of the College of DuPage Board from 2016-2017 as well as commissioner and mayor pro tem for the Village of Downers Grove from 2013-2016. Olsen is an active member of the Education Foundation and is also an alumnus of District 58 having attended Hillcrest and O’Neill schools. He is a well-respected key official in the community and will bring to the Foundation proven expertise in government partnerships, business development and educational grant opportunities.
Treasurer Karoline Kellam is the newly-elected president for the District 58 Area PTA Council and has been actively involved as a board member and officer in the Education Foundation for three years. Prior to leaving the workforce to stay home with her children, Kellam held several leadership roles, including as associate vice president of human resources for the Safer Foundation and director of human resources for AEI Music. Her professional background in Human Resources is valuable to the Education Foundation in managing operations behind the scenes. She is a proud mother of four, with children attending Highland, Herrick and Downers Grove North schools.
Secretary Tina Messmer-King is the owner and operator of AngelSong Entertainment and has produced many community fundraisers and events throughout her career. Messmer-King has been a member of the Foundation board since 2018 and is excited to serve the District 58 community by bringing her expertise to community event production. She is a consummate professional with over 20 years of promotion, fundraising and event planning experience and is looking forward to involving the community in our fundraising efforts.
The Foundation would like to thank outgoing President Elizabeth O’Toole, Vice President Troy Johnson and Treasurer Brian Krajewski for their leadership. All three will continue to serve as board members on the Foundation.
“Our organization continued its substantial growth under Elizabeth's leadership in the last four years,” Alikpala said. “She’s been an unbelievable asset to our Foundation in regard to her knowledge of being a parent in District 58. She’s spent more than 10 years serving the Foundation and it was our pleasure to follow her leadership and learn from her example.”
The 2019-2020 Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 Board of Directors are:
- President Janet Alikpala, KOHA, LLC
- Vice President David Olsen, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois
- Treasurer Karoline Kellam, District 58 PTA Council
- Secretary Tina Messmer-King, AngelSong Entertainment
- Past President Elizabeth O’Toole, Direct Floors
- Past Vice President, Troy Johnson, Cribstone Financial and Insurance Services, Inc.
- Past Treasurer Brian Krajewski, Brian J. Krajewski Law
Board Members:
- Todd Davies, Cadence Kitchen & Co.
- Elena Falco, Realty Executives
- Briana Richardson, Community Consolidated District 89
- Mia Churma, District 58 Parent and Employee
Ex-Officio Members:
- Dr. Kevin Russell, Superintendent, District 58
- Megan Hewitt, Community Relations Coordinator, District 58
- Melissa Sawisch, Principal, Kingsley School
- Kirat Doshi, One Goal, District 58 School Board Member
About the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58
The Education Foundation of Downers Grove Grade School District 58, established in 2002, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing grants for education, research and training to support all 13 elementary and middle schools in Downers Grove. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided over $1.5 million in grants and has awarded support for students, teachers, principals and staff throughout District 58. The Education Foundation is committed to funding educational projects and initiatives that would not otherwise be funded by the District due to limited financial resources. Funds focused on the following areas: Technology Innovation, Staff Development and Curriculum Enrichment. For more information about the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 programs, please visit www.58foundation.org.