We are proud to announce our newly elected officers of the CEL Board of Directors: President Susan Bersh, Vice President Lane Epstein, Treasurer Akash Pathak, and Secretary Mary Greanias. They join Immediate Past President Joan Cannon and  Senior Advisor Howard Diamond as members of the Executive Committee.

“At CEL, people with developmental disabilities are part of a vibrant community with unlimited opportunities for social and recreational enrichment, jobs and job training, lifelong learning, and virtual programs. Our board of directors sustains the important work we do at CEL,” said CEO Harriet Levy. “These officers exemplify what it means to ensure our members can experience life’s possibilities.”

Board President Susan Bersh, Vice President of Communications at AMLI Residential Chicago, started as a volunteer at CEL, and her love for our members inspired her to join the board and accept the role of president. She has also motivated her company, family, and friends to commit themselves to supporting people with developmental disabilities.  Sue said, “I am truly honored and excited to take on the role of CEL Board President. Together with a very engaged Board of Directors and dedicated staff, we will work to strengthen CEL’s impact, expand our reach, and ensure that our programs make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Vice President Lane Epstein, a construction industry consultant, learned of CEL when his son Jacob joined programs here, and that turned into a true passion for the organization as a whole. Lane said, “I love CEL because of its diverse programming, which helps unlock the unique qualities of each member.”

Treasurer Akash Pathak, Vice President of Digital Marketing at Potbelly Sandwich Works, led the Marketing Committee’s efforts in CEL’s recent rebrand. That exploration of our Mission, Vision, Tagline and Logo, and what CEL means to our members, fostered a deeper understanding of people with developmental disabilities. 

Secretary Mary Greanias, Associate Director Commercial Excellence/High-Performance Teams at Horizon Therapeutics, has been the model for creative corporate partnership with people with disabilities.  Mary said, “I have a son with developmental disabilities and have long seen the need for organizations of this type, especially after age 22 when resources for development and even social connections evaporate. There is so much talent in this population and the opportunity to help develop and focus that through CEL is very important.” 

The new Board Officers have each proven their dedication to CEL members and inspired CEL staff with creative ideas, helpful resources, and fundraising support. They will continue to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are empowered to realize their greatest potential, thrive within the community, and achieve their hopes and dreams.

CEL’s Executive Committee includes: 

FY24 Officers

• President: Susan Bersh, Vice-President of Communications at AMLI Residential Chicago.
• Vice President: Lane Epstein, Construction Industry Consultant from Northbrook.
• Treasurer: Akash Pathak, Vice President of Digital Marketing at Potbelly Sandwich Works.
• Secretary: Mary Greanias, Associate Director of Commercial Excellence/High-Performance Teams at Horizon Therapeutics.
• Immediate Past President: Joan Cannon, Executive Director of Scientific Communication & External Research at Tersera Therapeutics.
• Senior Advisor: Howard Diamond, Chief Strategy Officer at Rise Interactive.

Directors:

• Tommy Baboulas
• Mark Bernstein
• Fred Blitt
• Miriam Campbell
• Robert Dorsey
• Jeffrey Greenspan
• Deedra Darby Jones
• Carolyn Kuperman
• Kristin Malek
• Vaughn Moore
• Ray Nair
• Mike Suchsland
• Paul Sundberg 

Trustees:

• Doug Eckrote
• Byron Holden
• David Kalfen
• Gary Kash
• Michael Krasny
• Richard Worsek 

FY24 Board Emeritus:

• John Borta
• Kristin Coleman
• Kim Cysewski (installed FY24)
• Noel Elfant
• Alex Freund
• Kenneth Hoffman
• Sherwin Korey
• Kimberly Novak
• Greg Moyer
• Kathy Nellis
• Daniel Ripes
• Mark Robbins
• Michael Rothstein
• Richard Sheiner
• Ira Singer
• Stephanie Slatkin

For 55 years, the Center for Enriched Living has enriched the lives of people with IDD by maximizing their opportunities for personal success, fun & friendship, employment, and community involvement. CEL is accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). More information is available at www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org.