Larry Boward, Treasurer
Larry Boward is the Commercial Relationship Manager at Midland States Bank. Larry is responsible for managing and developing new business and expanding client relationships with owner-operators, professionals, small business owners and not-for-profit corporations in the greater West Chicago community. Prior to this, he was the Community President at State Bank of Illinois–West Chicago and First Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, Business Banking at Citizens Financial Bank, responsible for Cook, DuPage and Will counties. Larry has enjoyed a career in banking, always focusing on community banking -- building and developing client relationships.
Larry is a graduate of Carleton College in Northfield, MN and earned his MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago, IL. In addition to serving on the Educare Board, Larry is active in a variety of civic and charitable activities. Larry has served as president of both the Bartlett and Carol Stream Rotary Clubs; treasurer and trustee, Bartlett Parks Foundation; and a board member of the Fox Valley Micro Loan Fund and the University of Illinois DuPage County Extension Council. He is also the Treasurer and Board Member of the Friends of the West Chicago Park District Foundation.
Larry Boward is the Commercial Relationship Manager at Midland States Bank. Larry is responsible for managing and developing new business and expanding client relationships with owner-operators, professionals, small business owners and not-for-profit corporations in the greater West Chicago community. Prior to this, he was the Community President at State Bank of Illinois–West Chicago and First Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, Business Banking at Citizens Financial Bank, responsible for Cook, DuPage and Will counties. Larry has enjoyed a career in banking, always focusing on community banking -- building and developing client relationships.
Larry is a graduate of Carleton College in Northfield, MN and earned his MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago, IL. In addition to serving on the Educare Board, Larry is active in a variety of civic and charitable activities. Larry has served as president of both the Bartlett and Carol Stream Rotary Clubs; treasurer and trustee, Bartlett Parks Foundation; and a board member of the Fox Valley Micro Loan Fund and the University of Illinois DuPage County Extension Council. He is also the Treasurer and Board Member of the Friends of the West Chicago Park District Foundation.
Michael Burke, Member
Michael Burke is Vice President of Buffett Early Childhood Fund, an Omaha-based foundation that invests where public education is most under-invested: the first five years of life and learning. Mike has more than 30 years of experience in politics, public relations and philanthropy. His work at the Buffett foundation focuses on building the coast-to-coast network of high-performing Educare schools while also providing guidance on efforts to improve state and federal policies affecting young children and their families.
Before joining the foundation in January 2007, Mike oversaw public affairs and communications for several children’s organizations, including: Ounce of Prevention Fund, Voices for Illinois Children, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He also managed media relations for two political campaigns in rural Illinois.
Michael Burke is Vice President of Buffett Early Childhood Fund, an Omaha-based foundation that invests where public education is most under-invested: the first five years of life and learning. Mike has more than 30 years of experience in politics, public relations and philanthropy. His work at the Buffett foundation focuses on building the coast-to-coast network of high-performing Educare schools while also providing guidance on efforts to improve state and federal policies affecting young children and their families.
Before joining the foundation in January 2007, Mike oversaw public affairs and communications for several children’s organizations, including: Ounce of Prevention Fund, Voices for Illinois Children, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He also managed media relations for two political campaigns in rural Illinois.
Kristina Davis, Member
Kristina Davis is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in West Chicago District 33. Starting in the 2019-2020 school year, she will assume the position of the interim superintendent.
Over the past 10 years, Kristina has overseen D33’s PreK-8th grade curriculum and instructional programs as well as assessment and accountability systems. Kristina’s educational career began as the first bilingual teacher in an Illinois farming community of migrant workers. In 2003, she started her administrative career as a principal and district administrator in the third largest district in Illinois. In 2009, she was hired in West Chicago as the Director of Second Language Learning and then assumed the role of Assistant Superintendent. Kristina worked with her team to expand the gifted program to include more students, rolled out full-day kindergarten, and expanded the dual language program district wide. Over the past couple of years, the expansion of the dual language program has flourished into an amazing cultural arts program that now boasts a ballet foklórico dance troupe, mariachi band and student art gallery that is becoming well-known in the area. This has dramatically increased student involvement and parent engagement among families. She credits the amazing teachers and administrative colleagues that she has worked with and grown from for the success of these initiatives. Kristina has two children who have recently graduated from college and are living currently lives in Naperville with her husband, Pete, and two dogs.
Kristina Davis is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in West Chicago District 33. Starting in the 2019-2020 school year, she will assume the position of the interim superintendent.
Over the past 10 years, Kristina has overseen D33’s PreK-8th grade curriculum and instructional programs as well as assessment and accountability systems. Kristina’s educational career began as the first bilingual teacher in an Illinois farming community of migrant workers. In 2003, she started her administrative career as a principal and district administrator in the third largest district in Illinois. In 2009, she was hired in West Chicago as the Director of Second Language Learning and then assumed the role of Assistant Superintendent. Kristina worked with her team to expand the gifted program to include more students, rolled out full-day kindergarten, and expanded the dual language program district wide. Over the past couple of years, the expansion of the dual language program has flourished into an amazing cultural arts program that now boasts a ballet foklórico dance troupe, mariachi band and student art gallery that is becoming well-known in the area. This has dramatically increased student involvement and parent engagement among families. She credits the amazing teachers and administrative colleagues that she has worked with and grown from for the success of these initiatives. Kristina has two children who have recently graduated from college and are living currently lives in Naperville with her husband, Pete, and two dogs.
Deborah du Vair, Member
Deborah du Vair has expertise in the areas of strategic planning, financial analysis and marketing gained from years of experience in both corporate and nonprofit industries. She currently provides consulting services to nonprofit agencies, family and community foundations and corporate clients. Deborah also serves as the Treasurer of the Jordan Family Foundation, as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and Grant Committee for the DuPage Community Foundation, as a marketing and fund-raising consultant for the Des Plaines Community Foundation, and as a board member for Educare of West DuPage.
Deborah practiced as a Certified Public Accountant with KPMG Peat Marwick. Over the course of her career at United Airlines, she held leadership positions including Director of North America Sales, Manager of Distribution Strategic Planning and Regional Marketing Manager for West Coast Operations. Deborah holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame and earned her MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management of Northwestern University.
She also completed the Graham School Strategies for Nonprofit Management certificate program at the University of Chicago. Deborah has a passion for children’s education and has taught beginning sounds in preschool, volunteered at an elementary school library and taught Junior Achievement to high school students. Deborah lives with her husband and 3 sons in Glen Ellyn.
Deborah du Vair has expertise in the areas of strategic planning, financial analysis and marketing gained from years of experience in both corporate and nonprofit industries. She currently provides consulting services to nonprofit agencies, family and community foundations and corporate clients. Deborah also serves as the Treasurer of the Jordan Family Foundation, as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and Grant Committee for the DuPage Community Foundation, as a marketing and fund-raising consultant for the Des Plaines Community Foundation, and as a board member for Educare of West DuPage.
Deborah practiced as a Certified Public Accountant with KPMG Peat Marwick. Over the course of her career at United Airlines, she held leadership positions including Director of North America Sales, Manager of Distribution Strategic Planning and Regional Marketing Manager for West Coast Operations. Deborah holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame and earned her MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management of Northwestern University.
She also completed the Graham School Strategies for Nonprofit Management certificate program at the University of Chicago. Deborah has a passion for children’s education and has taught beginning sounds in preschool, volunteered at an elementary school library and taught Junior Achievement to high school students. Deborah lives with her husband and 3 sons in Glen Ellyn.
Josephina Frankovich, Member
Josephina (Joie) Frankovich is the Coordinator of Partnerships with WeGo Together for Kids/West Chicago Elementary School District 33. As the Coordinator, Joie facilitates a community collaboration of more than 40 community partners that represent over 15 sectors, all working to support the health, safety, and wellbeing of children and families in West Chicago. Joie also oversees District 33’s community schools supports and systems. Prior to this role, Joie was the Coordinator of Evaluation and Communications for WeGo Together and facilitated evaluation, communication, and policy/advocacy efforts. Joie is an elected Governing Councilor for the Community Health Planning and Policy Development section of the American Public Health Association and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Joie has a Master’s in Social Work in community health and urban development and a Master’s in Public Health in health policy administration, both from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Joie currently lives in St. Charles with her husband and dog, Bowser.
Josephina (Joie) Frankovich is the Coordinator of Partnerships with WeGo Together for Kids/West Chicago Elementary School District 33. As the Coordinator, Joie facilitates a community collaboration of more than 40 community partners that represent over 15 sectors, all working to support the health, safety, and wellbeing of children and families in West Chicago. Joie also oversees District 33’s community schools supports and systems. Prior to this role, Joie was the Coordinator of Evaluation and Communications for WeGo Together and facilitated evaluation, communication, and policy/advocacy efforts. Joie is an elected Governing Councilor for the Community Health Planning and Policy Development section of the American Public Health Association and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Joie has a Master’s in Social Work in community health and urban development and a Master’s in Public Health in health policy administration, both from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Joie currently lives in St. Charles with her husband and dog, Bowser.
Norma Gallegos, Parent Member
Norma Gallegos is the Parent Member on the Board of Directors, serving also as the Parent Policy Council President for Educare West DuPage. She has been part of the Educare West DuPage school community for several years and is the proud parent of 5 children—all of whom have attended Educare West DuPage. Norma has been a strong advocate for the children and families of Educare West DuPage and is actively involved with interviewing new staff. She is involved in many of the school's parent initiatives, including Abriendo Puertas.
In the past year, Norma achieved her Realtor license and currently works with Daniel And Associates Real Estate in DuPage County.
Norma Gallegos is the Parent Member on the Board of Directors, serving also as the Parent Policy Council President for Educare West DuPage. She has been part of the Educare West DuPage school community for several years and is the proud parent of 5 children—all of whom have attended Educare West DuPage. Norma has been a strong advocate for the children and families of Educare West DuPage and is actively involved with interviewing new staff. She is involved in many of the school's parent initiatives, including Abriendo Puertas.
In the past year, Norma achieved her Realtor license and currently works with Daniel And Associates Real Estate in DuPage County.
Al Gustafson, Ex-Officio Member
Al Gustafson is a spiritual director and retreat leader. He has been a staff member at Old St. Patrick’s Church, Chicago since 1994 and is the former Director of the Crossroads Center for Faith & Work. He is a founder and past president of the Career Transitions Center of Chicago where he continues to be involved. He is a co-leader of an annual 38-week retreat on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius at St. Margaret Mary Church in Naperville.
In addition to ministry, Al is the president of the Gustafson Family Foundation, a private foundation promoting the development and education of young children at risk. Al also serves on several boards including Educare of West DuPage, Institute of Catholic Bioethics and Swifty Foundation.
Al holds degrees in accounting and ethics as well as a Doctorate of Ministry from Catholic Theological Union. He lives with his wife and children in Woodridge, IL.
Al Gustafson is a spiritual director and retreat leader. He has been a staff member at Old St. Patrick’s Church, Chicago since 1994 and is the former Director of the Crossroads Center for Faith & Work. He is a founder and past president of the Career Transitions Center of Chicago where he continues to be involved. He is a co-leader of an annual 38-week retreat on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius at St. Margaret Mary Church in Naperville.
In addition to ministry, Al is the president of the Gustafson Family Foundation, a private foundation promoting the development and education of young children at risk. Al also serves on several boards including Educare of West DuPage, Institute of Catholic Bioethics and Swifty Foundation.
Al holds degrees in accounting and ethics as well as a Doctorate of Ministry from Catholic Theological Union. He lives with his wife and children in Woodridge, IL.
Steve Rasher, Member
Steve Rasher is an attorney with over 46 years of broad commercial experience in both litigation and transactional matters. Steve was Assistant General Counsel of United Air Lines, Inc. for 17 years, until his retirement on June 1, 2011. During his 28 plus year career at United, Steve provided counsel on most facets of United’s business. From 2001 through 2003, Steve was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of UAL Loyalty Services, a wholly-owned United affiliate, which owned and operated the Mileage Plus program and united.com. At ULS, Steve was not only responsible for all legal matters of ULS, but also had business responsibility for all procurement and real estate. Prior to joining United in 1982, Steve was a commercial trial and appellate lawyer with Mayer Brown (1973-1977) and Katten Muchin (1978-1982).
Since his retirement, Steve has been managing his investments and finances and those of various members of his family. In addition, during that last two years, he has done legal/business related consulting services for three different companies as well as legal work for Don Levy Associates and O’Laughlin Corporation. Steve has a B.S. in Business Administration (concentrations in Economics and Finance) from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (1970) and a J.D. from the University of Michigan (1973) (Order of the Coif). Steve and his wife, Sue, have been married for over 48 years and continue to live in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
Steve Rasher is an attorney with over 46 years of broad commercial experience in both litigation and transactional matters. Steve was Assistant General Counsel of United Air Lines, Inc. for 17 years, until his retirement on June 1, 2011. During his 28 plus year career at United, Steve provided counsel on most facets of United’s business. From 2001 through 2003, Steve was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of UAL Loyalty Services, a wholly-owned United affiliate, which owned and operated the Mileage Plus program and united.com. At ULS, Steve was not only responsible for all legal matters of ULS, but also had business responsibility for all procurement and real estate. Prior to joining United in 1982, Steve was a commercial trial and appellate lawyer with Mayer Brown (1973-1977) and Katten Muchin (1978-1982).
Since his retirement, Steve has been managing his investments and finances and those of various members of his family. In addition, during that last two years, he has done legal/business related consulting services for three different companies as well as legal work for Don Levy Associates and O’Laughlin Corporation. Steve has a B.S. in Business Administration (concentrations in Economics and Finance) from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (1970) and a J.D. from the University of Michigan (1973) (Order of the Coif). Steve and his wife, Sue, have been married for over 48 years and continue to live in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
Educare West DuPage | 851 Pearl Road | West Chicago, IL 60185 | Site Map
(630) 957-5500 | M-F: 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
(630) 957-5500 | M-F: 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
