The text below each name came from each candidate as an explanation of the “Personal, professional, educational, or occupational skills and qualities I possess that will assist me in this role”.
Ann Kauth for PRESIDENT
I would like to see the organization behind the garden be a sustainable, vibrant one. I hope to do this work, along with all of you, over the next year. I’ll apply my organizational skills and passion for the garden to this task.
Jessica Angus for VICE PRESIDENT
I have really enjoyed heading up the water committee and have had a chance to meet and talk with most of the plot holders in the garden – I’m deeply committed to the garden and will continue to be, but as the water process turns more technical we have garden members more qualified to lead us forward in that regard.
I would like to continue to get to know garden members more and feel my work life has given me a lot of experience with conflict resolution – in terms of the garden it’s easy to let issues stew and if we address them straight away we’ll be able to prevent most issues from becoming escalated. I’m committed to putting in the time that’s needed to deal with issues as they arise and working with committee members to develop ways to help keep us all on track.
Gudrun Pettersson for TREASURER
Treasurer of the garden to date; well-versed in Excel; good attention to detail
Jane McKay for SECRETARY
As a Chicago newcomer, being a member of the garden and the Committee have been an important part of my integration and assimilation. I am enjoying being interim Secretary for the Committee and would love to continue.
I have an eye for detail and like the process of documenting what is going on in the garden as we start to mature as a group. Professionally, I am an engaged team player which I feel would be beneficial to the Committee and garden, having worked on project implementation for small and large organisations.
Veronica Harrigan for MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Knowledge of Excel; good with people; have a passion to help the garden
Donny Harrigan for CHAIR OF THE PLANNING & CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
Deep knowledge of construction
Bob Heywood for CHAIR OF THE WATER COMMITTEE
 Over the years I have served on various boards and committees at church, children’s schools, and professional organizations.
I am excited about the many possibilities there are to upgrade and simplify the watering process at the garden from the meetings and discussions we have had at the watering committee meetings.
Miladel Pamatmat for CHAIR OF THE MAINTENANCE & MONITORING COMMITTEE
Living right next to the garden gives us immediate access to monitor the garden. Also have some construction, design and architectural skills. And I bear some knowledge about various fruits and veggies being a chef and foodie.
Erin Fuller for CHAIR OF THE COMPOST COMMITTEE
- I enjoy reading and learning about composting and seeing different set-ups
- I set up various minimal compost systems at a garden in Brooklyn, NY, a garden in Milwaukee, WI and at my parents house in WI.
- I have taught High School Chemistry and Biology
- I have maintained vermicompost systems in my home
Emily Barney for CHAIR OF THE MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
I run multiple websites and social media accounts for my job and have been pursuing professional development in the software that runs our website, hoping to adapt it and make it easier to use in the future.
I also have some academic training in community informatics and some graphic design and photography experience.
I’d still prefer to work with more people on the communication aspect of this position, especially in setting up the newsletter. I’m happy to also work with the other members of the Executive Committee to set up e-mail accounts or manage other tools to help keep the information for our garden easy for everyone to access and share.
Helen Harrison for CHAIR OF THE FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
4 years of fundraising experience at a nonprofit; also four years of volunteer fundraising for my son’s high school orchestra booster club.
Ron Carroll for CHAIR OF THE SOCIAL COMMITTEE
 I’ve been told I throw a good party.
