EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS (As of Jan. 26, 2023)
Vaughn Bryant
Executive Director of Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, previously held leadership roles with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, the NFL and Stanford University, drafted by the Detroit Lions, and was a 1994 inductee to the Detroit Catholic League Hall of Fame
James Capers
Current NBA official, has officiated 14 NBA finals games, two NBA All-Star Games, born in Chicago and attended Hales Franciscan HS, has served on the NBA Rules and Competition Committee and has been a representative on the Jr. NBA Board.
Dante Culbreath
Simeon High School football coach (2010-11, 2012-present), has mentored and coached numerous Division I football recruits
Tai Duncan
Licensed attorney, former executive director Positive Coaching Alliance, long-time advocate for Chicago's youth, AAU basketball coach, member of numerous Chicago non-profit boards
Ricardo Estrada
CEO of Metropolitan Family Services, three decades of human services leadership, serves on the Board of Directors of ComEd, Metra, Navy Pier, the Grand Victoria Foundation and A Better Chicago
Howard Griffith
Two-time NFL Super Bowl Champion (Denver Broncos), Illinois All-American,and current Big Ten Network analyst, attended Chicago's Julian High School, holds the NCAA record for most rushing TDs in a game (eight)
Michael Holmes
CSU Vice President for Administrative Services, head coach of Leo High School Football team for 30+ years, Leo High School Hall of Fame, Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame and Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame selection
Larry Huggins
Organizing member of the Chicago Football Classic, an organization dedicated to empowering the American black youth to attend college and providing scholarship opportunities.
Dr. June Price-Shingles
CSU Faculty Athletic Representative, Professor of Recreation Administration and Director of Undergraduate Recreation Program
Melanie Sillas
Executive Director of the CSU Foundation, previous VP of Membership and Development for Chicago United, responsible for fundraising efforts of nearly 100 Member Companies
Essence Smart
CSU Student Board of Trustees representative, President of the C.A.B. and a CSU cheerleader, invested in encouragement of student involvement and leadership
Rhonda Smith
CSU Director of Financial Aid, long time director of aid initiatives across Illinois along with making the higher education experience positive for potential students
Cory Thames
CSU Board of Trustees Representative, Chicago civic leader, President of Thames Strategies, former Deputy Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs at Chicago Department of Aviation and Deputy Director of Community Engagement for the Obama Foundation
Tom Thayer
Member of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl team and current Bears radio analyst, member of Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame
Vada Williams
CSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative, member of the men's golf squad
Otis Wilson
Member of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl team, currently runs non-profit organization, which provides all-inclusive health and fitness programs for at risk youth in the Chicago area.
