Please join us in welcoming Jaré Akchin, Karl Analo, Ashley Bakelmun, Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, and David Fording as Delta’s newest Board Directors!
Delta Institute’s governing Board of Directors provides oversight and management of Delta Institute. Board Directors serve up to two terms of three years each (for six years total) and participate in at least one of our three standing Committees: Development; Finance; and Governance and Nominating. Our Board adheres to best practices in nonprofit governance and signs an annual participation agreement outlining their roles and responsibilities to Delta Institute, as well as identifying any conflicts of interest that may impact their service.
Jaré Akchin
Jaré currently serves as the Vice President for Jewish Community Impact at Third Plateau; prior to this work, she served as Program Director at the Circle of Service Foundation, leading local and national conversations on early childhood education and engagement, poverty in the Jewish community, and organizational capacity building. Beyond the Jewish community, Jaré is passionate about reproductive justice, women’s equality, and creating a safer and more just environmental landscape.
“We need smart, sustainable solutions to address the existing and impending impacts of climate change. I believe that Delta Institute is a leading agency in climate change mitigation and I am honored to work alongside the organization’s staff and board.”
Welcome, Jaré!
Karl Analo, J.D.
Karl, a Senior Associate at FordHarrison, has significant experience litigating complex labor and employment law issues including claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage, and hour violations and has represented the food, finance, and real estate sectors in his career. We are grateful to have him joining our leadership, bringing with him specialties in legal, human resources, compliance, IP, and real estate.
Welcome, Karl!
Ashley Bakelmun
Ashley is Managing Director at RW Ventures, LLC and joins us after volunteering for two years on the Delta Emerging Leaders associate board, including one year as the DELs’ Programming Committee Chair. She brings to the Board several strengths and specialties: strategic urban analyses, social and environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic development projects for regional development organizations.
“I started volunteering with Delta Institute because my work – inclusive economic growth – very closely intersects with environmental justice and climate resiliency. I’m thrilled to help advocate for Delta’s work to solve complex environmental issues. It’s needed now more than ever.”
Thank you, Ashley!
Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda
Commissioner Corral Sepúlveda is the first Latina elected to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, having been inaugurated into her first term in 2020. She is a strong advocate for local community engagement and representation. She has registered thousands of new voters and promoted civic engagement at the local, state, and national levels.
“I am honored and excited to be a part of an organization that is so dedicated to advancing equitable solutions to environmental challenges! In partnership with Delta’s Board, leadership, and staff, I look forward to proactively addressing climate change throughout the Midwest.”
Welcome, Commissioner!
David Fording, CFA
David is a Partner and Portfolio Manager – US All Cap Growth and US Equity Sustainability Strategies for William Blair in Chicago. He joins us with a strong background in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), having been a founding member of William Blair’s Investment Management ESG Leadership team.
“As the impacts of global warming and climate change become clearer with each passing day, it is imperative that we pursue innovative solutions to mitigate these impacts and create a more sustainable planet. I’m excited to join Delta Institute’s Board as I believe their focus on Resilient Agriculture and Nature-based Climate Solutions, combined with their partnership model and regional approach, provides an opportunity to ‘think globally and act locally.’”
Welcome, David!
If you or someone you know might be interested in making a difference by joining Delta’s Board of Directors, please consider contacting us for more information. Or if you know of an emerging professional who would be interested in joining the Delta Emerging Leaders Associate Board, you can click here to learn more.