LCBH Board of Directors

Welcome to LCBH’s Blog. Our blog delivers original articles written by our staff, interns and volunteers. We strive to provide informative stories about the work we do on behalf of Chicago renters and the issues renters face.

LCBH Board Member, Collette Woghiren

October 25, 2021 posted in LCBH News, LCBH Board of Directors

What can you tell us about your background?
I was born and raised in St. Andrew, Jamaica and lived in Jamaica until the age of 10 when my family moved to New Jersey. After a few years on the east coast, we transitioned to Boca Raton, Florida. I completed my undergraduate studies at Florida State University and obtained a master’s degree at Georgia State University before becoming a high school English teacher in South Florida. I moved to Chicago to attend the University of Chicago Law School in 2010 and fell in love with the city of Chicago.

What is your involvement outside of LCBH?
I joined Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg in 2013, after interning there during my second year of law school. I currently serve on the board for the Alumni Club of the University of Chicago, where I am the chair of the By-Laws Committee in addition to playing an active role in fundraising, service and community engagement. I also serve as a mentor to UChicago’s Black Law Student Association. I previously served as an associate board member for the Chicago Committee on Minorities for Large Law Firms.

LCBH Board Member, Paul Steadman

October 25, 2021 posted in LCBH News, LCBH Board of Directors

Where are you at in your career right now?
I’m a senior partner at DLA Piper, where I’ve been for 10 years now. I’m married with three kids and I live in the West suburbs. I’m at a point in my career where I can assist and enable others to better manage their affairs, and create a stronger community as a result.

What is your involvement outside of LCBH?
I currently serve as the Chairman of Enrollment for Trinity High School’s Board of Directors. Trinity is an all girl’s school in River Forest, IL. This is my 6th and last year serving. I also serve on the board for the Chicago Justice project, an organization that uses various methods to collect Illinois government data on the criminal justice system. I’ve been litigating for them for about six years. Additionally, I previously served for over ten years on the board for Lawyers for Creative arts, as I have a solid background in Intellectual Property law. LCBH however, is my largest time commitment.

How did you become affiliated with LCBH?
I’ve done pro bono work with the organization for about seven or so years on a number of legal projects, so I was all-in when the opportunity presented itself.

Board Member Taft West

May 14, 2021 posted in LCBH News, LCBH Board of Directors

LCBH is grateful for the dedicated leaders who serve on our Board of Directors, volunteering their time, energy and resources to lead the organization during periods of growth and change. Many thanks to our outgoing Board Member Taft West, who has contributed so much to the organization.

We would like to thank Taft for his remarkable service! Taft is stepping away from being a board member to enjoy retirement. We recently sat down with Taft to learn about his experience serving on the LCBH Board of Directors.

Where did you work prior to board membership?
I have been fortunate to spend my entire career working in affordable housing. I started working for Draper and Kramer in 1979 as an Assistant Manager trainee, helping with the development of Dearborn Park. I managed over 2,000 apartments and 30 commercial units, which were some of their largest properties and condos, including Lake Meadows. This responsibility prepared me for my transition to Rockford, Illinois, where I managed the Rockford Housing Authority for five years. After receiving my real estate license in 2008, I started teaching classes on fair and affordable housing, marketing, maintenance, housing choice vouchers, and landlord tenant ordinances at the Chicago Association of Realtors.

Colin Cordes, new LCBH Board Member

May 14, 2021 posted in LCBH News, LCBH Board of Directors

We are excited to welcome Colin Cordes as a new LCBH Board Member. Colin brings years of experience in finance and healthcare to the organization. He is excited to use his robust business background to help LCBH to identify opportunities to expand. We recently sat down with Colin to learn what drew him to pursue board service with LCBH.

How were you connected with LCBH?
I found out about LCBH through an organization called Board Lead that matches people interested in community service with nonprofits that need additional board members. Board Lead teaches you how boards operate and prepares you for various responsibilities, roles and opportunities to lend your input. LCBH liked my profile. I talked with a few staff and board members and I was ready to join.

What have you done prior to working with LCBH?
My background is in business. I have bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics from Indiana University, and a master’s degree in public health from University of Missouri. I’ve worked for four different companies in healthcare consulting, mainly working in IT. A lot of my work focused on providing and implementing best solutions and strategizing and sorting through financial touchpoints between patients and providers. I currently work for Olive AI, where automation is key. Our goal is to make healthcare cost effective and smoother for everyone involved.