MEET THE FOUNDATION BOARD
The Governors State University Foundation Board was created in 1969 to oversee the financial operations of the foundation as it maintains its legal and ethical standing. It provides leadership and strategic direction, setting goals which align with the University’s strategic plan. Through this oversight, it serves as a guardian of the public trust and remains accountable to its donors, GovState alumni and the general public.
Michelle Redd
- CHAIR
- CEO, Building Blocks Learning Academy
Gia Orr
- VICE PRESIDENT
- Senior Manager, State Government Affairs, Commonwealth Edison
Yahaira Felix
- TREASURER
- Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Octavia Matthews
- SECRETARY
- Regional VP, Aramark Facilities Management
Will Davis
- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
- Vice President of External Affairs, Governors State University
David Barr
- BOARD MEMBER
- Attorney-at-Law
Dr. Marlon Cummings
- BOARD MEMBER
- GovState Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Joyce C. Ester
- BOARD MEMBER
- GovState President
Paul Labonne
- BOARD MEMBER
- Vice President, PNC Bank
Martina Matthews
- BOARD MEMBER
- AI Strategy Consultant & Founder, Miss ChatGPT101
Lorine S. Samuels
- BOARD MEMBER
- President, Strategic Business Services, Inc.
Josh Sopiarz
- BOARD MEMBER
- GovState Faculty Senate President
Angie Zuniga
- BOARD MEMBER
- Chief Strategy Officer, Illiana Financial Credit Union
Villalyn Baluga
- EX- OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER
- GovState Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President of Financial Services
Veronica Blair
- EX-OFFICIO, FOUNDATION BOARD LIAISON
- Business Administrative Associate, Governors State University
Dr. Rashidah Muhammad
- EMERITUS BOARD MEMBER
- Professor, Governors State University
William Sanders
- EMERITUS BOARD MEMBER
- Honeywell (Retired)