Guiding Team

Since its formation in 2013, the Success Network has become a powerful peer-to-peer learning system for Illinois communities to improve college and career readiness and postsecondary completion rates. The network’s organizers—Advance Illinois, EdSystems, and ISAC—have invited stakeholders from across the public, private, and non-profit sectors to serve as a guiding team to help shape the Success Network’s future direction.

Current Members

  • Stephanie Bernoteit, Illinois Board of Higher Education
  • Mara Botman, Vivo Foundation
  • Amy Jo Clemens, Center for P-20 Engagement at NIU
  • Chibuzo Ezeigbo, The Joyce Foundation
  • Jason Helfer, Illinois State Board of Education
  • Darryl Hogue, Riverbend School District
  • Jennifer Irvin, BJC Healthcare
  • Lisa Jones, Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
  • Mark Jontry, Regional Superintendent, DeWitt-Livingston-Logan-McLean Counties
  • Sharon Kherat, Peoria Public Schools
  • Kim Korando, Illinois Student Assistance Commission
  • Pranav Kothari, Revolution Impact
  • Jason Leahy, Illinois Principals Association
  • Laz Lopez, District 214 & Illinois Community College Board
  • Alan Mather, Golden Apple Foundation
  • Margi Schiemann, Illinois Workforce Innovation Board & Nicor Gas
  • Audrey Soglin, Illinois Education Association (retired)
  • Susan Stanton, ACT Now
  • Sydney Stigge-Kaufman, East St Louis School District 189
  • Whitney Thompson, Illinois Community College Board
  • Vince Walsh-Rock, Illinois School Counselor Association

Network Organizers

Advance Illinois is a nonpartisan, nonprofit founded to be an objective voice for a public education system that prepares all students for college, career and democratic citizenship.

Education Systems Center at NIU (EdSystems) is a policy development and program implementation center that shapes and strengthens education and workforce systems to advance racial equity and prepare more learners for productive careers and lives in a global economy.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the state’s college access and financial aid agency with the mission of making college accessible and affordable for Illinois students.