About Us

Erica Nelson

Trustee since 2015 and Chair since 2019

Erica is a parent of two Glen Ellyn District 41 and Glenbard D87 graduates. As
Chairman she provides leadership in support of PEP’s Mission to develop philanthropic partnerships with individuals, community and school organizations, businesses and foundations for students in the Glenbard community schools. Erica is a founding member of One Community, a board member with the Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center and co-president of the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn. She served three terms on the GE D41 board of education. Erica is a faculty member with the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

Becky Parke

PEP Foundation Services Coordinator since 2018

Becky is a parent of two Glen Ellyn District 41 students. As Services Coordinator, Becky assists the PEP Chairman and the Trustees in carrying out the objectives of the PEP Foundation, maintains relationships with our donors, and is responsible for managing the financials for the PEP and fund partner accounts. Becky is also an active member and committee chair on the PTAs at Ben Franklin School and Hadley Junior High. She has a background in market research.

Bob Friend

Treasurer, PEP Trustee since 2009

Bob and his wife Susan have two daughters, who are Glenbard East graduates. Bob has been on the D87 School Board since 2009. Bob is a retired power mechanic with United Parcel Service. He is a member of the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Tri-Town YMCA Board of Directors and the Men’s Club at First United Methodist Church of Lombard. He is a former member of the Lombard District 44 Board of Education. Bob was voted 2020’s Lombard Citizen of the Year.

Erika Krehbiel

District 41 Representative, PEP Trustee since 2013

Erika, a graduate of Glenbard West High School, is Chief Communications Officer for Glen Ellyn School District 41. Erika also serves as President of the Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn, and is a member of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce and the D41 Kids Foundation Board.

Jessica Buttimer

District 41 Representative, PEP Trustee since 2019

Jessica is a parent of two Glen Ellyn District 41 students, and is the Secretary of the District 41 School Board. Jessica also sits on the D41 PTA Council, the D41 Kids Foundation Board, and the Legislative Education Network of Dupage County. Jessica’s professional background is in user research consulting.

Beth Powers

CCSD 89 Board President, PEP Representative since 2012

Beth is a parent of two boys who attended CCSD 89 schools. In June 2012, she was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Education. Before becoming a Board Member, she served from 2010 to 2012 as the Co-President of the Park View Parent Teacher Committee, and is a former member of the district’s Community Finance Committee. Beth has a degree in business administration from Elmhurst College.

Liza Sury

Member at Large, PEP Trustee since 2017

Liza is a parent of one Glen Ellyn District 41 and one Glenbard District 87 student, and is the co-director for Supplies 4 Success. Liza is also the President of the District 41 PTA Council and a member of the District 41 Pandemic Response Action Team. She is a licensed attorney.

Karen Evans

Member at Large, PEP Trustee since 2019

Karen’s two sons are graduates of Glen Ellyn District 41 and Glenbard West High School. She is the founder, and former director of Supplies 4 Success and worked for many years within the District 41 Community Outreach programs. Karen has a background in Healthcare Consulting and data collection.

Steve Szymanski

Member at Large, PEP Trustee since 2020

Both Steve and his wife, Liza, are graduates of Lombard District 44 and Glenbard East High School. Steve is also the Chair of the Glen Ellyn Capital Improvements Commission and Vice President of both the Housing Corporation and Alumni Association for Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Steve recently retired from the United States Steel Corporation after 42 years of service.